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April 18, 1999
Pastor: Wayne C. Eichstadt
Website Note: The first of two examination services were held at Immanuel on Sunday, April 18th. Confirmation is on May 2nd. For examination at Immanuel, the students each prepare a presentation with the pastors’ guidance. The confirmands also group together to recite the chief parts of Luther’s Small Catechism. This week’s entry on the website includes the entire service rather than just the sermon. We pray you will find it edifying and invite any comments you may have.
Confirmands
Nathan Brandt, Alison Hansen, Lee Klammer, Ross Libby, Adam Lueck, Kimberly Schultz, April Stelter, Joshua Stelter
OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN
A Confirmand Examination Service and Review of God’s Truth as Outlined by the Lord’s Prayer
Pre-Service Meditation: Psalm 143
Pre-Service Prayer:
Lord God, we praise you for bringing Your Word to our young people and working faith in their hearts. Be with the confirmands this morning. Enable them to declare Your Word and may we all be blessed by their proclamation. Preserve them in true faith and love for You throughout their lives. Amen.
Bell
WELCOME in the name of Jesus Christ—the name we confess to the world, the name in which we place our hope and upon which we call in every need. We worship this morning in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…. (Cong. Sings "Amen")
Opening prayer
Lord God, Whose truth is the Living Bread and Water to nourish our hungry souls, bless our meditation on Your Word, guide our thoughts to know Your truth, and make all our prayers and praises acceptable in Your sight. Amen.
Confession of Sins: (1 John 1:5-10)
Pastor: This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you:
Cong: That God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
P: If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness,
C: We lie and do not practice the truth.
P: But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,
C: And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
P: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
C: And the truth is not in us.
P: If we confess our sins,
C: He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
P: If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar,
C: And His word is not in us.
P/C: O almighty God, I confess to you my many sins in what I have done and in what I have left undone. I have sinned against You and against my neighbor by what I’ve thought, said, and done. I have even sinned in ways of which I am unaware. I am all darkness and sin—wash me and make me clean! Amen!
Absolution of sins:
Upon this your confession, according to the command our Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Hymn of Praise: #250 -- Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
Introduction to Examination:
This morning we have the special blessing of hearing God’s truths from one-half of this year’s Confirmation Class. Lord-willing, the other eight students of the Word will present Scripture’s truth to you next week.
These eight young people have prepared individual presentations as well as reviewing the six chief parts of Luther’s Small Catechism. This morning’s service offers them the opportunity to publicly present what the Holy Spirit has led them to believe through His Word. We also benefit as we hear the precious Gospel truths. It should be heartening to each one of us and a cause for great thanksgiving to God, that the Lord has led these young people to a knowledge of His truth and brought them into salvation—through baptism and instruction in His Word.
Our service this morning uses the Lord’s Prayer as a basis from which to present the chief teachings of Scripture. Everything that God commands, everything He has done for us, and everything He promises to still do for us finds a connection to at least one of the parts of the Lord’s Prayer. For example: in the second commandment God commands that we not misuse His name. In the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer, we pray "hallowed be Thy name" or put in another way, "Enable us to keep Your second commandment."
And so it continues…for every truth God has given us in His Word, He has also taught us to pray in relation to that truth. Therefore, the Lord’s Prayer becomes a very meaningful way in which to review the principal teachings of God’s Word.
Pastor: The Lord’s prayer begins by addressing the true God to whom we pray. Lee Klammer will speak to us of our relationship with God, namely, that we are children of God by redemption.
We are children by Redemption
Lee Klammer
What is our original relationship with God?
We are born with original sin inherited from our parents. Paul writes in Romans, "Therefore as by one man sin entered the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, for all have sinned." (Romans 5:12). Anything sinful is opposed to God. Therefore, we are by nature enemies of God.
How do we then become children of God?
We become children of God through Jesus living a perfect life and being the only worthy sacrifice for our sins. It is written in Mark, "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Jesus lived, suffered, and died as our substitute to take away our sin. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians, "He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are made children of God and inherit salvation through faith, as Paul writes in Galatians, "We are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26).
Why has Christ redeemed us?
Christ has redeemed us because of God’s undeserved love for us sinners, which He showed when He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. It is written in 1 John, "In this is love, not that we loved Him, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10).
How should we then come before our Father in Heaven?
Because Christ has redeemed us and made us children of God, we should come to Him often and with complete confidence. God invites us in Hebrews: "…therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace" (Hebrews 4:16)
Recitations:
Pastor: In the second article of the Apostles’ Creed we confess our faith in the redemption won by Christ. You are invited to confess your faith with the confirmands in the words of the 2nd article of the Creed, after which the confirmands will recite Luther’s explanation.
The 2nd Article of the Apostolic Creed
Congregation: I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. . .(confirmands continue)
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord.
He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and His innocent suffering and death.
He did this that I should be His very own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in eternal righteousness, innocence, and joy; just as He is risen from death, lives and reigns in eternity.
This is most certainly true.
Pastor: The confirmands will also recite Luther’s explanation to the address…
The Address of the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven.
What does this mean?
With these words God tenderly encourages us to believe that He is our true Father and we are His true children, so that we may ask Him boldly and with complete confidence as dear children ask their dear father.
Pastor: The first petition of the Lord’s prayer is that we keep God’s name holy among us. Kimberly Schultz will explain for us what God’s name is, as well as the command not to misuse His name.
God forbids the misuse of His name
Kimberly Schultz
What is God’s Name?
God’s name is everything that identifies Him and everything He tells us about Himself in His Word.
What are some of the things God reveals about Himself?
God reveals that He sent His Son to die for us because He is our good and gracious Father in heaven. He also reveals that He is all powerful. He is perfect, and has many other Divine characteristics.
What is God’s purpose in giving us His name?
God wants us to know that He is the only true God and to tell us what He has done and promises to still do for us. He gives His name to us so that we can believe in His Son for the forgiveness of sins. "For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). In everything God gives us His name for our good and blessing!
How is God’s name misused?
God’s name is misused any time it is used for harm rather than blessing. Misusing God’s name takes place when someone speaks the name of the Lord to support lies or any kind of wrong. God’s name is misused when someone curses—asking God to bring damnation or harm. God says, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14).
God’s name is misused in lying by His name which is false teaching. "’Behold! I am against the prophets,’ says the Lord, ‘who use their tongues and say ;He says.’" (Jeremiah 23:31). God’s name is also misused by swearing falsely or in uncertain and unnecessary things, by witchcraft, and deceiving by God’s name – which is pretending to be a believer when one is not.
How is God’s name used properly?
God’s name is used properly when we call upon His name in every trouble, pray, praise and give thanks. "Call upon Me in every trouble, I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me" (Psalm 50:15) "O Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever!" (Psalm 118:1).
Recitation:
Pastor: The Confirmands now recite the 2nd commandment with Luther’s explanation.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not use His name to curse, swear, practice witchcraft, lie, or deceive; but we should call upon His name in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
Pastor: The second petition of the Lord’s Prayers asks that God’s kingdom would come. Nathan Brandt will describe God’s Kingdom and how that Kingdom comes through God’s Word.
God’s Kingdom comes through the Word
Nathan Brandt
What is God’s Kingdom?
God's kingdom is unlike any earthly kingdom. Earthly kingdoms include sinful violence, are unholy, and go after things for themselves. God's kingdom is holy and pure. Jesus, our King, came to help sinners instead of Himself. Paul describes God’s kingdom in Romans, "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).
How Do Sinners become citizens in God’s Kingdom?
Sinners become citizens in God's kingdom when they are brought to faith in their Savior. The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel to bring us to faith and in this way brings us into God's kingdom. The Gospel is found in the Word and the Sacraments. Therefore, God's Kingdom comes through the Word. Paul says in Romans, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).
How does the Holy Spirit use the Word to bring us to faith?
After God's Law has shown us our sin, the Holy Spirit reveals that our sins are forgiven through the life, suffering, and death of Jesus our Savior. The Holy Spirit convinces our heart that the Word is true and leads us to trust in God's salvation. "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5).
God's kingdom comes whenever the Gospel is preached and the Holy Spirit works saving faith in the hearts of sinners. The Holy Spirit also preserves those whom He has called into God's Kingdom through the Gospel. "The Spirit of truth…will guide you into all truth.."(John 16:13).
Recitations:
Pastor: In the third commandment, God commands, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy." In other words, "Remember to take care of your soul’s needs" and nurture the faith which the Holy Spirit has created….
Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not despise His Word and the preaching of it; but we should regard God's Word as holy and gladly hear and learn it.
Pastor: The third article of the Creed speaks of the Spirit’s work. Once again we invite the congregation to join in confessing our faith after which the confirmands will continue.
The 3rd Article of the Apostolic Creed
Congregation: I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting... (confirmands continue)
What does this mean?
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, nor come to Him.
But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified, and kept me in true faith.
In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.
In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers.
On the last day He will raise me and all the dead and give to me and all believers in Christ eternal life.
This is most certainly true.
Pastor: Luther explained the 2nd petition of the Lord’s Prayer in this way…
The 2nd petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Thy kingdom come.
What does this mean?
God's kingdom certainly comes all by itself, even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it also come to us.
How does the kingdom of God come?
God's kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and live a godly life here in time and hereafter in eternity.
Pastor: As God’s children, we know that He governs all things according to His wisdom and will. April Stelter will answer for us what God’s will is and explain how it is done among us.
God’s Will for the earth
April Stelter
God’s will for the earth is illustrated by the story of Saul’s conversion. Saul was going to Damascus to persecute Christians and on the way a bright light shone all around him. A voice called to Saul saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" The voice was Jesus speaking. Jesus told Saul to go into the city and wait there. As Saul got up he realized that he was blind.
On the third day when Saul was in Damascus, God sent Ananias to Saul to restore his sight. Saul was then baptized and went and preached God’s Word to all.
What is God’s will for the people of the earth?
God’s will is that ALL people hear God’s Word and believe it so they will be saved. The salvation of all sinners is what God desires. Saul’s conversion illustrates God accomplishing His will, First by bringing Saul to faith and secondly, by sending Saul to preach God’s Word to others. We read in 1 Timothy, "God our Savior desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).
How is God’s Will done for us?
God’s will is done for us when He brings us to faith and keeps us and other believers firm in His Word and in the faith for as long as we live. "We are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5).
How is God’s Will opposed on the earth?
God’s will is opposed by the Devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh. God warns us, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world" (1 John 2:15-16). In His grace and by His power God continues to work for us against those who oppose His will.
Recitation:
Pastor: Luther explains the third petition of the Lord’s Prayer in this way…
The 3rd petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
What does this mean?
God's good and gracious will is certainly done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it be done among us also.
How is God's will done?
God's will is done when He breaks and stops every evil will and plan of those who do not want us to hallow His name or let His kingdom come such as the will of the Devil, of the world, and of our own flesh. His will is also done when He gives us strength and keeps us firm in His word and in faith for as long as we live. This is God's good and gracious will.
Hymn: #458(st.1-5) Our Father, Thou in Heaven Above
Sermonette: Ephesians 6:17-18
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
In Christ Jesus—through whose work we are able to approach the Father’s throne in prayer—dear fellow redeemed:
It has been said that there are no atheists in a foxhole. This is said because everyone in the frontline of a war would pray. There should be little doubt that this is true, because under the stress of imminent death there are few, if any, who would be unshaken and unwilling to admit the existence of a higher being.
Still, a "pray-er" does not necessarily equal a believer. The false prophets of Baal prayed mightily to their false god. The Pharisees uttered prayer on top of prayer to the God of Israel—the same God to whom we offer prayers—but their prayers were from prideful hearts seeking earthly approval.
A "pray-er" does not equal a believer because prayer is not a means for salvation. The Gospel—that is the good news of what Jesus has done for our salvation—is the one and only means God has revealed to us as a way to eternal life. The Gospel in Word and Sacrament provides salvation. The Word of God provides His guidance. This is not to say that prayer is not a tremendous gift from God and a powerful tool in our lives because it is exactly that.. Although prayer is not a means for salvation, PRAYER IS AN AID TOWARD WATCHFULNESS.
The section of Ephesians from which our text comes takes us into the "foxholes" of our battle against the Devil. Paul has just described the armor which God gives to His children in order that they might be able to "withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand." (v.13).
Throughout the earlier verses, Paul describes each piece of our armor and identifies it with blessings that we receive through the work of Christ and the message of the Gospel—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the preparation of the Gospel of peace as the shoes to provide protection and sure footing, the shield of faith with which [we] are able to quench the firey darts of the Wicked One, the helmet of salvation, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.
The Word of God is the sword of the SPIRIT because, as God tells us elsewhere, it is the Holy Spirit who inspired the words of Scripture to be recorded. Furthermore, as Nathan mentioned in his presentation, it is the Spirit Who works through that same Word to bring us to faith and keep us in faith, despite the enemies’ best efforts. The Word of God and it alone is our salvation and our defense against all who would seek to rob us of that salvation!
Prayer does not clothe a sinner in the armor of God. The Spirit working through the Gospel does that when He brings us to faith. However, praying is an activity for those who are clothed in the armor of God.
Perhaps a comparison to an earthly battle will help us. . . During war, the frontline soldiers communicate with the General. Their communications tell their Leader "we need supplies! We need weapons!! HELP US!!" Those communications from the frontline to the Overall Commander do not themselves provide protection against the enemy and do not satisfy the hunger of starving troops. However, the artillery, food, and supplies that the Commander sends because of the communications do satisfy the soldiers’ needs.
Prayer is our communication to God. God speaks to us through His Word. We speak to Him through our prayers. God answers our prayers through His Word and the blessings He sends us.
All who have been made righteous before God through faith in Christ Jesus have an open door to God’s throne of Grace. They have God’s ready ears to hear their "communications" -- their prayers.
Paul says to pray with all prayer and supplication, that is, with every kind of prayer. Communicate to God every kind of request—big and small. Cry out your troubles to God. Express your frustrations—"God I just don’t know what to do!" Communicate your thanksgiving and praise for what He grants you; or when everything is just going right in an every-day-kind-of-way stop and say, "Wow! Thank you God what a wonderful day you have given me!"
Paul includes praying for "all the saints." In our prayer life, God wants us to pray for anything and everything in our own lives, but also for one another. There are so many for whom we can pray….Parents, children, other family members; employers, employees, government officials; the stranger who is walking in unbelief…the friend who is walking in unbelief; your pastors, teachers, and other church workers; missionaries in the United States and in foreign lands…the list goes on indefinitely. Paul wrote Timothy, "I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1).
Paul also speaks of praying "in connection with the Spirit" because any prayer that is not offered out of a genuine Spirit-worked faith in Jesus is not truly a prayer and is not heard before God. "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous (believers in Christ), and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil (unbelievers)" (1 Peter 3:12).
"…praying…being watchful to this end with all perseverence…" Prayer does serve as an aid toward watchfulness because as we daily remember to ask God for our needful blessings we keep in mind that every good thing is from above and turn to our Father in trust. When we are daily communicating our deep sorrow over our sins and our plea for forgiveness, we are reminded to go back to the Word where God communicates to us the wonderful news of forgiveness.
In Gethsemane, Jesus told the disciples to watch and pray that they enter not into temptation (Matthew 26:41). It’s hard to be deceived and swallowed up by the enemy when you are continually pleading for the Lord’s assistance and continually clinging to His Word.
Having the confidence of casting our every care upon the Lord with the sure promise that He will hear and will help, means that we will find the strength and desire to persevere. For a soldier can be brave in a foxhole when he knows that the Commander has heard his communication for help and is even now sending reinforcement. Prayer aids in our watchfulness and perseverance because God answers those prayers
In the foxholes of our spiritual battle "against the rulers of the darkness of this age and the Wicked One" your armor and firepower is the salvation of Christ revealed in the Gospel, but having been clothed in that armor, praying always with every kind of prayer and supplication, be watchful toward a glorious end! Amen.
Hymn: #454 ~ Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire
Pastor: The greatest gift God has given us is the forgiveness of our sins. However, He also provides for our physical needs during our time of grace on this earth. God’s physical blessings also serve toward our eternal blessing. Ross Libby speaks to us concerning God’s protection and preservation in this life.
God’s protection and preservation
Ross Libby
In 1 Kings chapter17 we see how God protected and preserved Elijah:
Elijah went to king Ahab and told him that because of his wickedness there would be no rain except by Elijah’s word. Then the Lord told Elijah to leave and go to the brook Cherith. There Elijah drank from the brook and the ravens brought him meat and bread in the morning and evening. When the brook dried up because of lack of rain, God provided for Elijah by other means.
God protected and preserved Elijah as He promises to protect and preserve us in our need. God protected Elijah from Ahab and Jezebel and gave him food, drink, and shelter, just as God provides everything we need on this earth for our protection and preservation.
God protects and preserves us by giving us our daily bread, which is everything we need to support our body and life. The psalmist says in Psalm 145, "The eyes of all look expectantly to You and You give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing" (Psalm 145:15-16). God richly and daily gives us our daily bread by natural means, normally, but can and has provided for human needs through miracles, as He did for Elijah.
God’s protection and preservation on this earth contribute to our final goal which is heaven. He protects and preserves this life as our "Time of Grace" during which the Word of God works in our hearts and brings us to salvation. It is written in Matthew 4:4, "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
We don’t want to be ungrateful and forget how God daily provides everything we need. God wants us to show our appreciation toward Him by thanking, praising, serving, and obeying Him. He wants us to do this so that we recognize that He gives us everything we need, that He cares for us, and that we learn to be content with what we have. Paul says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).
Recitations:
Pastor: In His commandments, God protects the "daily bread" He gives to us. In the 5th commandment He protects our lives, in the 7th He protects our possessions, and in the 8th commandment God protects our and our neighbor’s good name.
You shall not murder.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not hurt nor harm our neighbor's body; but we should help and be a friend to him in every bodily need.
You shall not steal.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not take our neighbor's money or possessions, nor get them in a dishonest way; but we should help him to improve and protect his property and way of making a living.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, or say anything that might ruin his good name and reputation; but we should defend him, speak well of him, and explain all his words and actions in the best possible way.
Pastor: We join in confessing our faith in our Creator and Preserver, using the words of the 1st article of the Apostles’ Creed.
The 1st Article of the Apostolic Creed
Congregation: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. . .(confirmands continue)
What does this mean?
I believe that God has created me and all creatures. He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my bodily members, my reason and all my senses, and still keeps them for me.
God also preserves me by richly and daily providing clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all my property and all I need to support this body and life. He protects me from all danger. He guards and defends me from every evil.
God does all this because He is my good and gracious Father in heaven, not because of anything I have done to earn or deserve it. For all of this it is my duty to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him.
This is most certainly true.
Pastor: We know from the Gospel that there is forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus. We need regularly to hear that Gospel comfort and to that end, Jesus gives us authority to forgive sins on earth. It is of this authority that Joshua Stelter will speak.
We have authority to forgive sins
Joshua Stelter
What is the Office of the Keys?
The office of the keys is the power for us to "lock" or "unlock" the kingdom of heaven. Unforgiven sin is what locks the door to heaven. When we use the keys to forgive sins this "unlocks" the kingdom of heaven. Having the authority of the Keys means that we have the authority to forgive sins on earth.
From where do we receive this authority to forgive sins?
We receive the authority to forgive sins from Jesus Himself. On Easter evening when Jesus showed Himself alive to His disciples, He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven them. If you retain the sins of any they are retained" (John 20:23).
Who’s sins do we forgive?
We forgive the sins of all sinners who are sorry for their sins, believe in Jesus as their Savior, and are willing to change. Those who do not repent in this way – that is, the impenitent – shall be separated from God and banished from heaven for all of eternity because they have rejected the salvation that God has graciously given them. However, to the penitent we freely declare their forgiveness and assure them that their sins are forgiven before God.
To whom does Jesus give this authority to forgive sins?
He gives the authority to forgive sins to all believers.
If any believer can rightfully forgive the sins of penitent sinners, why do we call pastors?
We call pastors so that the forgiveness of sins and ministering of the word can be done decently and in order, and also that it can be done on a regular basis within the Christian congregation. As God Himself says, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Recitations:
Pastor: Confirmands, what is the office of the keys…
1. What is the Office of the Keys?
The Office of the Keys is the special power Christ gave to His Church on earth to forgive the sins of penitent sinners and to retain the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent.
Where is this written?
The holy evangelist John writes in chapter 20, "[Jesus] breathed on [His disciples] and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’"(John 20:22-23).
2. How does a Christian congregation use the keys?
A Christian congregation, with its pastor, uses the Keys according to Christ's command either by forgiving those who repent of their sins and are willing to change, or by excluding from the Christian congregation those who are obviously impenitent. These actions are as valid and certain in heaven also, as if Christ, our dear Lord, were dealing with us Himself.
Pastor: A public confession is not necessary in order to have forgiveness, but it can at times be an important part of receiving comfort in the face of sin.
Pastor: Confirmands, what is Confession?
1. What is Confession?
There are two parts to confession: One is that we confess our sins; the other is that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from a fellow Christian as from God Himself--not doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are forgiven in this way before our heavenly Father.
2. What sins should we confess?
Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we don't know we have done, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. However, before one another we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts.
3. Which sins are these?
Examine your place in life according to the Ten Commandments. Have you been faithful as a father, mother, son, daughter, employer, or employee? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you injured anyone by what you’ve said or done? Have you stolen anything, neglected your duty, been careless, or damaged anything.
4.What will a fellow Christian say to someone who has confessed his sins?
He will say, "According to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Pastor: With Satan and sin active in the world there will be no shortage of temptation for every child of God. Alison Hansen presents Scripture’s guidance for remaining chaste in an unchaste world.
Remaining chaste in an unchaste world
Alison Hansen
We, Christians, can remain chaste in an unchaste world by doing exactly what Scripture out for us to do. We can not do this perfectly—yet, by reading and studying Scripture we can learn what is right and wrong and then also by the working of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel find the motivation, strength, and ability for Christian living.
In our present world, God’s 6th commandment is under great attack and this means there will be temptation. Easier divorce laws make it simpler to get a divorce and break up the family rather than honoring the lifelong promise made to each other and to God. Abortion allows people to live in sin but not accept the responsibility for that sin.
God protects marriage in the 6th commandment. Marriage is protected when a husband and wife love and honor one another according to God’s will and not betraying the that love. Marriage is protected among the unmarried when they flee the desires of the flesh and preserve for marriage the gifts which God gives only to husbands and wives.
God has chosen us out of the world to be a special people—holy, acceptable in His sight. Paul says in 1 Corinthians, "Flee from sexual immorality. Do you now know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, whom you have from God and that you are not your own? Therefore, glorify God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:18).
By the actions in our lives and the company we keep, others can know who or what is ruling in our lives. God says, "The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright" (Proverbs 21:8).
The Devil uses his tricks and schemes to move us off the pathway to heaven. This sinful world presents temptations against marriage and the 6th commandment through its entertainment—television, movies, and books—and simply through society’s acceptance of sin in relationships between men and women. Our own flesh also works against chaste living. By His Grace, God has given us the means of defense, and when we do sin a means to return to His pathway, namely His Word.
Even though this world seems to at times overtake us, we have God on our side. By going to His Word for strengthening, and avoiding temptations, we can remain chaste and daily pray with confidence, " Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
Recitations:
Pastor: Confirmands…
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we live a pure and decent life in words and actions, and that husband and wife love and honor one another.
Pastor: Confirmands….
The 6th petition of the Lord’s Prayer
And lead us not into temptation.
What does this mean?
God indeed tempts no one; but we pray in this petition that He would guard and keep us so that the Devil, the world, and our flesh do not deceive us nor lead us into misbelief, hopelessness, or any other shameful or sinful acts; and although we are tempted by them, we ask that we win in the end and keep the victory.
Pastor: As a result of sin there is evil and harm that can come upon people in this world, even upon children of God. In the Lord’s Prayer we pray that God would deliver us from evil either by sparing us from it or by using it for our blessing. Adam Lueck will relate how God uses His servants, the angels, for delivering us from evil.
The angels are God’s servants for deliverance
Adam Lueck
In the book of Genesis, Abraham prayed to save Lot from the evil of Sodom before it was destroyed. God was going to destroy Sodom, but answered Abraham’s prayer and showed mercy to Lot and his family. God sent two angels to deliver Lot and his family from the fate of the city.
Now after the angels came to Lot’s house, the people of Sodom surrounded the house and tried to enter. And they struck the men who were at the door way with blindness, both great and small, so that they became weary trying to find the door. Then the angels warned Lot to flee the city.
When morning came and while he lingered, the men took hold of Lot’s hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.
God’s angels are His servants that carry out His commands—whether it is delivering from evil, or protecting from harm, or delivering a message as the angel Gabriel delivered messages to Zacharias and Mary. Sometimes angels may actually fight evil as did the archangel, Michael, when he contended with the Devil (Jude 9).
God promises that He will use His angels for our protection and deliverance. He promises in Psalm 91:11, "He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways."
Recitation:
Pastor: Confirmands…
The 7th petition of the Lord’s Prayer
But deliver us from evil.
What does this mean?
We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would deliver us from every evil to body and soul, property and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a joyful end and graciously take from this valley of sorrows to Himself in heaven.
Pastor:
Each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we conclude with that hymn of praise and thanks to God in which we give Him all glory! He who is our tender and loving Father is also the Almighty God Who does all things well. It is this amazing and awesome God who listens to our prayers and promises to hear and to help. THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS MARVELOUS GRACE AND BLESSING!
Our Offering of Thankful hearts will now be received.
Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
This morning, our sister congregation—Grace in Sleepy Eye—is celebrating its 40th anniversary in a special service; during this past week two seminary graduates and three teaching graduates were extended divine calls through the CLC Call Committee for Graduates; also Dorothy Wills and Marilyn Hagen continue in St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. We remember these things in our prayers….
Lord of the Harvest we thank you for providing new shepherds for your sheep and lambs and for calling them into service in the public ministry. Be with each of these newly called servants and keep their initial zeal for the Word ever blazing in their hearts and in all that they do. Continue to lead young people to see the tremendous good of the public ministry and guide them into that service so that our classrooms and pulpits may be filled with faithful and dedicated proclaimers of Your Word.
We join with our brothers and sisters in Sleepy Eye to thank You for the 40 years of grace you have showered upon their congregation. Keep them and us ever united in Your truth. Oh, Holy Spirit, preserve and keep us in the faith even in the midst of the sin and evil of this world.
For our sisters in Christ who are ill, and all others who are suffering any affliction—we pray asking for your healing hand to give them relief. Through earthly suffering, strengthen their trust in You and lead them to find hope and assurance in the knowledge that You have provided the cure for their souls and will bless their body’s health in like measure, according to Your will.
For Nathan, Alison, Lee, Ross, Adam, Kimberly, April, and Joshua we also pray. Keep the precious truths they have proclaimed today guarded in their hearts forever. Teach them and all of us who are assembled here to find in our Savior the highest good and have toward Him our greatest love. Let nothing come between these young people and their Savior—preserve us all by the power of Your Word and through Your grace.
These and all other things we pray in the words You Yourself have given….
Our Father Who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen!
Pastor: What does "Amen' mean?
"Amen" means that I should be certain that these petitions are really heard by the Father in heaven; for He Himself has instructed us to pray in this way and promised that He will hear us. "Amen! Amen!" that is, "Yes, indeed, it shall be so!"
Benediction: The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace. (cong. Sings "Amen, Amen, Amen")
Closing Hymn: #54 ~ Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah!
Silent Prayer
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Immanuel Lutheran Church 421 North Second Street Mankato, Minnesota 56001 |
Church Office: (507) 345-3027 Pastor Nolting: (507) 387-7035 Pastor Eichstadt: (507) 344-0898 |