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November 10, 2025 8:05 pm

MARTIN LUTHER, Reformer of the Church – There is no more important spiritual question than how we’re saved, and who we’re saved by. The Bible is clear – we’re saved by God’s grace alone, through fa... View More

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November 9, 2025 6:59 pm

THE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY November 9, 2025 Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto Our Opening Hymn is 717 “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” ... View MoreTHE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY November 9, 2025 Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto Our Opening Hymn is 717 “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” Lutheran Service Book Confession and Absolution Page 184-185 The Introit Psalm 119:1; 38-40, antiphon: Liturgical text The whole world is in your power. O Lord, King Almighty, no one can gainsay you. For you have made heaven and earth; you are Lord of all! Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. The whole world is in your power. O Lord, King Almighty, no one can gainsay you. For you have made heaven and earth; you are Lord of all! Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy) Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Pastor: The Lord be with you. Congregation: And with thy Spirit. Our Collect Prayer– O Lord, keep Your household, the Church, in continual faith and godliness, that through Your protection she may be free from all adversities and devoutly given to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Our First Reading Genesis 1:1-22 Psalm 8 Epistle Reading Ephesians 6:10-17 Gospel Reading John 4:46-54 THE APOSTLES’ CREED Page 192 HYMN OF THE DAY: 655 “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” Text & music by Martin Luther https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFoVDvtSy1Y&list=RDvFoVDvtSy1Y&start_radio=1 THE SERMON – ‘Christ’s Life-Giving Word’ In the beginning, God spoke. His Word created light from darkness, order out of chaos, life from nothingness. “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was. (Gen. 1:3). The same Word that called the heavens and earth into being is the Word that took on flesh and dwelt among us. The same Word that fashioned galaxies is the Word that speaks forgiveness, life, and salvation to us today. Our readings this Sunday all revolve around that truth: God’s Word is not idle sound. It is living, active, powerful. It creates what it declares. It sustains what it promises. And it delivers what it proclaims. In John Chapter 4, we meet a desperate father who learns this lesson firsthand. His son is dying. He comes to Jesus with a request that reveals both love and weakness: “Sir, come down before my child dies.” He believes Jesus can help, but he limits what Jesus can do. He thinks Christ must be physically present to heal. Yet Jesus shows him — and us — that His Word alone is sufficient. Let’s see in today’s readings how God’s creative, sustaining Word calls us to faith, arms us for battle, and anchors us in Christ. The first Chapter of Genesis reminds us that the universe is not self-made. Not the product of chance, or chaos. It is the deliberate creation of the Triune God. The Father wills, the Spirit hovers, and the Son — the eternal Word — speaks all things into existence. John echoes this in the prologue to his Gospel. He wrote, “In the beginning was the Word… All things were made through Him” (John 1:1–3). The official stands before this same Word made flesh. The One who spoke stars into existence now speaks to him face-to-face. This is a comfort for us: the Word that created the world is the same Word that addresses you in Scripture, in preaching, in Baptism, in the Absolution, and in the Lord’s Supper. When God speaks, reality bends to His voice. The official’s request is understandable: “Come down and heal my son.” Any parent might plead the same. But his words reveal a faith that is not yet mature. He believes Jesus can heal, but only if He comes in person. He doesn’t yet grasp the full authority of Christ’s Word. Jesus responds with a rebuke: “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” This is not cruelty, but correction. Jesus is teaching the man — and us — that faith must rest not on visible proofs, but on the bare Word of Christ. How often do we fall into the same trap? We pray, but we secretly demand that God prove Himself on our terms. We want visible signs, immediate results, tangible evidence. We forget that faith is not sight. Faith clings to the promise even when the eyes see nothing. The official is pressed to trust the Word alone. And when Jesus says, “Go; your son will live,” the man believes. He takes Jesus at His Word and departs. That’s faith: trusting what Christ says is true, even before you see it. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that we live in a battlefield. Our struggle isn’t with flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. And what is our weapon? “The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Notice the connection: the same Word that created the world, the Word that healed the official’s son, is the Word that equips you for spiritual warfare. You aren’t left defenseless. You’re clothed in the armor of God, and at the center of that armor is the Word — sharper than any two-edged sword, able to cut down lies, doubts, temptations. When the devil whispers, “God has forgotten you,” the Word replies, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” When your conscience accuses that, “Your sins are too great,” the Word declares, “The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” When death looms, the Word promises, “Because I live, you also will live.” Faith is not sustained by feelings or ‘inner strength.’ It’s created and maintained by the external Word of God, spoken into your ears, placed into your mouth, poured over your head. Psalm 8 marvels at the majesty of creation: “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars… what is man that you are mindful of him?” Yet, the God who set the stars in place stoops down to care for sinful humanity. This is what the official discovers. As he journeys home, servants meet him with the news: his son is alive. The healing happened at the very hour Jesus spoke. The Word did not need to travel. It didn’t need to be reinforced by sight. It accomplished what it declared. And the result? “He believed, and all his household.” The Word healed the son’s body, but it also created faith in the father’s heart and in his family. The miracle wasn’t just physical, but spiritual, and lasting to eternity. So, it is with us. The Word of Christ sustains us in weakness, delivers from despair, and brings us into saving faith. All of this points to the greatest miracle: the Word made flesh who went to the cross. There, the Father withheld His aid from the Son. There, Jesus bore the silence of heaven, so that you would never be abandoned. There, He spoke the Word that secures our eternal salvation: “It is finished.” And on the third day, the Father raised Jesus from the dead. That resurrection is the guarantee that His promises are true. Just as the official's son lived because Jesus spoke, so you will live because Christ has said: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” I want to end the sermon with another example of faith. Martin Luther’s beloved daughter, Magdalena, died of plague at the age of 13. Luther was heartbroken and grieved heavily for some time. Then one day, he asked himself, did Magdalena cease to exist? The Bible tells us no, she was with Christ. Did God ever stop loving her? Again, the answer was no. Would God ever break His baptismal promise to this young believer? Luther faithfully concluded, never. And so, the Reformer finally realized that he was crying more for his own loss, because his daughter was at peace, in Heaven. Brothers and sisters, the lesson of this Gospel is clear: faith rests on the Word of Christ alone. Not on human wisdom or works, but on the sure and certain promises of God. So, when doubt surrounds you, when prayers seem unanswered, when the brokenness of this world appears insufferable, cling to the Word. For what Jesus says, He does. What He promises, He fulfills. And what He declares, He delivers. In Christ, the Word made flesh, you have life — now and forever. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Page 194 Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) Page 195 The Lord’s Prayer Page 196 Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) Page 198 Post-Communion Collect (Left-hand column) Page 201 CLOSING HYMN: 918 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"

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November 2, 2025 8:11 pm

THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY November 2, 2025 Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto OPENING HYMN: 904 “Blessed Jesus, at Your Word” ... View MoreTHE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY November 2, 2025 Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto OPENING HYMN: 904 “Blessed Jesus, at Your Word” Lutheran Service Book Confession and Absolution Page 184-185 Introit Psalm 48:1, 9-11; antiphon: Liturgical Text The Lord is righteous in all he has done to us, for we have not obeyed his commandments. Glorify your name, O Lord, and deal with us according to your great mercy. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain. We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. The Lord is righteous in all he has done to us, for we have not obeyed his commandments. Glorify your name, O Lord, and deal with us according to your great mercy. The Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy) Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. The Salutation: Pastor: The Lord be with you. Congregation: And with thy spirit. Our Collect Prayer: O Lord, grant to Your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Our Bible Readings: Old Testament – Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 27:1-9 Epistle Reading – Ephesians 5:15-21 Gospel Reading – Matthew 21:33-44 THE APOSTLES’ CREED Page 192 HYMN OF THE DAY: 644 “The Church’s One Foundation” THE SERMON – ‘Christ, the Cornerstone’ Brothers and sisters, peace, grace, and mercy be to you from God our Father, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. In today’s Gospel text, our Lord tells a parable that cuts to the heart of Israel’s history, and points to every sinner’s rebellion, then and now. It begins as an earthly story: “There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress, and built a watchtower.” This is no random image. It’s almost a direct quotation from the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 5, where the vineyard represents Israel—the people whom God had chosen, loved, and nurtured. The vineyard is God’s beloved Church, His people of promise. God Himself planted and cared for it, and expected it would bear fruit. But when harvest time came, and the landowner sent servants to collect some of the crop, the tenants seized them. The servants here represent the prophets of the Old Testament, and the Apostles of the New. They beat one, killed another, and stoned others. So, the owner, God, sent more servants, and the tenants did the same. Finally, he sent His Son, thinking, “They will respect Him.” But the tenants conspire and say, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and have the inheritance.’ And they did. Then Jesus asks the question: “When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” The crowd answers, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus replies, quoting Psalm 118: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Then Christ drops the hammer: “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.” This is a parable is not a comfortable story. It’s a confrontation. And one of those moments when the Law of God exposes human sin in all its stubbornness and pride. Jesus spoke these words to the chief priests and Pharisees—the religious leaders of Israel. They were the “tenants” of the vineyard, entrusted with God’s Word and worship. They were called to tend to His people faithfully and prepare for the coming Messiah. But instead, they twisted God’s Word into human-made rules. The Father sent Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Zechariah to recall His people. Yet the people killed the prophets, and would not repent. And when the Son of God Himself appeared, they rejected and murdered Him. This parable points to the cross. We can hear the echo of Good Friday here. “Come, let us kill Him and have His inheritance.” And that’s exactly what they did. They cast the Son outside the city, outside the vineyard, and crucified Him. But what they intended for evil, God intended for good. The rejected stone became the cornerstone. Out of death, came life. Out of rejection, came redemption. Out of faithless judgment, came salvation. It’s tempting to stop there, and think this parable is only about “them”—the leaders of Israel in the first century. But Jesus didn’t tell parables as history lessons. He told them for us. And here the Holy Spirit calls for self-examination. We, too, are tenants in God’s vineyard. Everything we have—our lives, families, faith—belongs to God. We are caretakers, not owners. We are called to bear fruit in the vineyard of the Lord. Yet how often do we act like the vineyard is ours? How easily pride creeps in when we think of our righteousness, our piety. We start to falsely believe that the vineyard belongs to us, and that God should be pleased with our works. But the fruit God desires is not self-assertion or moral display. It is repentance and faith. Humility and love. It is trust in Christ alone. Martin Luther once said that the greatest idolatry is to seek God where He has not promised to be found, and to ignore Him where He actually is. That’s exactly what happened in this parable. The religious leaders wanted a Messiah who would affirm their religion of works righteousness, not one who would call them to repentance. And so, they missed God in human flesh, who stood before them. In the same way, the world still rejects the cornerstone. Many people want a religion of self-fulfillment, moral encouragement, or political correctness —not a Saviour who bleeds for their sin. They want a God who gives advice, not redemption. They want a Christ who agrees with them, not one who reigns over them. The tragedy is that in rejecting the true Saviour, they lose the very inheritance He came to give. But here is the Gospel, the Good News dear friends: The rejected stone has become the cornerstone. What human beings despised, God exalted. The crucified Christ is now the foundation of His Church, the living Rock upon which we stand. When the Son was cast out of the vineyard and killed, He did not stay dead. The stone the builders threw away was raised from the tomb. And now, He is the sole foundation of a new people—His Church—built not on human worthiness, but on divine grace and mercy through Jesus. That means the kingdom of God isn’t constructed on worldly achievement, not on status, nor on human wisdom, but on Christ alone. He is the foundation and the builder. He is the owner and fruit-bearer. He is the true Vine, and we are the branches. To be part of His Kingdom is to live by faith—to receive His Word and Sacraments as pure gifts, not possessions. To bear fruit is to confess His name, trust His mercy, to love as we’ve been loved. It is to live in daily repentance and forgiveness. It is to say, “This life, faith, and salvation—all belong to You, O Lord.” The Christian Church stands or falls on that confession. When it forgets that her life depends on the rejected but risen Cornerstone, the Church ceases to be a vineyard and becomes a wasteland. But when she holds fast to Christ crucified and risen, the Church bears fruit in every season. The parable ends with both a warning and promise. The warning is clear: “Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” That is the judgment of God’s Law. To reject Christ is to reject life itself. But the promise is greater still: The one who trusts in this Cornerstone will never be put to shame. This Rock is solid ground for sinners who have no other hope. Christ was cast out so that we might be brought in. He was slain, so we might live. May we, by His grace, be faithful tenants—receiving His gifts, rejoicing in His mercy, and bearing fruit in lives of love and service. Not to earn the inheritance, because it’s already been won for us by Christ’s blood and resurrection. “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Amen. PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Page 194 Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) Page 195 The Lord’s Prayer Page 196 The Word of Our Lord Instituting the Lord’s Supper Page 197 Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) Page 198 The Distribution Nunc Dimitis – The Song of Simeon Page 199 Post-Communion Collect (Right-hand column) Page 201 CLOSING HYMN: 923 “Almighty Father, Bless the Word”

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October 31, 2025 7:43 pm

On this Reformation Day, here’s a link to the full movie, ‘Luther.’ The film describes the birth of the Lutheran Reformation, and the life of the Reformer. It dramatically portrays a protest that ch... View More

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October 26, 2025 7:55 pm

REFORMATION SUNDAY October 26, 2025 Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church All hymns in this service were written by Martin Luther and sung during the Reformation ... View MoreREFORMATION SUNDAY October 26, 2025 Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church All hymns in this service were written by Martin Luther and sung during the Reformation OPENING HYMN 655 “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” Lutheran Service Book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8ViZi7M5p4&list=RDS8ViZi7M5p4&start_radio=1 Confession and Absolution Page 184-185 The Introit Psalm 91, verses 1-4 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Collect Prayer: Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us from false doctrine, and defend us against all enemies. Help us to remember that we are saved by Your Grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. Grant that Your Church preach the purity of this Gospel, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Our First Reading -- Ephesians 2: 4-9 Psalm 46 Our Second Reading -- Romans 3:19-28 Our Gospel Reading -- John 8:31-36 HYMN OF THE DAY 953 “We All Believe in One True God” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9VolOFsnPI&list=RDO9VolOFsnPI&start_radio=1 THE SERMON -- REFORMATION DAY 2025 Brothers & sisters, peace, grace, and mercy be to you through God our Father, and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. Every year on Reformation Sunday, we remember an event that shook the world: a monk with a hammer, a Church door in Wittenberg, and 95 theses that sparked a worldwide movement. But Reformation Day is more than nostalgia. Much more than just celebrating Martin Luther, a true hero of Church reform. It’s about the eternal Gospel of Jesus Christ, that the Reformation recovered and proclaimed with clarity: that sinners are justified by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. And so, the question today is not just, “What happened back then?” but rather, “Why does it matter now?” The answer is simple: because the truth that Jesus speaks in John, Chapter 8, is still the truth we need. We continue to be enslaved by sin. We’re still tempted to trust in ourselves for redemption. And we are still in desperate need of the salvation and eternal life that only Christ can give. THE ENSLAVEMENT OF SIN Jesus says, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” That’s not a popular message in our world. We live in a culture that prizes autonomy, self-expression, and freedom defined as doing whatever people want. But Jesus unmasks the lie: sin is not freedom. Sin is slavery. Think of how sin works. The more we indulge it, the more it controls us. The more we justify it, the more it blinds us. Whether it’s pride, greed, lust, anger, or unbelief, sin isn’t a harmless choice—it is a chain around the heart. And no matter how hard we try, we can’t break free by our own strength. That’s why the Lutheran Reformation, the original reformation of the Church, was necessary and so important. In Luther’s day, the Church had replaced the Gospel with human works, with the sale of indulgences by the pope, the adoration of relics and statues, which promised forgiveness, and the false security that we could climb our own way up to Heaven. But the truth of Scripture is clear: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We are not free people who occasionally stumble; according to the Bible we are captives who need to be rescued. THE FREEDOM OF THE SON But, thanks be to God, Jesus does not leave us in slavery. He says, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Notice that freedom isn’t something we achieve. It’s something Christ gives. How does He do it? By taking our slavery upon Himself. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of our sin. He entered into our prison so that He could smash the bars from the inside. His resurrection is the declaration that the chains are broken, our debt paid, and that the grave has lost its power over you. This is the heart of the Reformation: justification by faith. As Luther rediscovered in Romans 1:17, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Not by human ‘good works’ or merits. Not by indulgences purchased, or pilgrimages, or praying to dead saints. But by faith alone, in Christ alone. And this faith is not a human achievement or ‘decision’. It is the gift of God, worked by the Holy Spirit through the Word and Sacraments. Baptism washes us clean. Absolution declares us forgiven. The Lord’s Supper feeds us with the very body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. These aren’t symbols of what we do for God; they are the means of grace, what God does for us. ABIDING IN THE WORD Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” The Reformation was and is, at its core, a return to the Word of God. Luther translated the Bible into the language of the people so that every Christian could hear the voice of Christ for themselves. And so, the call of Reformation Day is not simply to admire what Luther bravely did, but to abide in the same life-giving Word. To hear it in Church, read it, mark, learn, and inwardly digest. In a world filled with competing voices—political slogans, cultural trends, social media noise—the Word of God remains the one voice that works faith and gives eternal life. It is the sword of the Spirit that cuts through lies. It is the truth that sets you free. THE ONGOING NEED FOR REFORMATION But let’s be honest: the temptation to drift from the Gospel, from the Bible, didn’t end in the 16th century. Many churches today are still tempted to compromise the truth, to soften the Law, to dilute the Gospel, or to replace Christ with self-help and moralism. We see this in churches that deny the Biblical truth that God’s gift of marriage is one man, and one woman. Churches that disregard the sanctity of life from conception, until its natural end. Things the culture says we have a right to, should even be ‘proud’ of, but that God’s Word, in the Bible, clearly tells us is sin. That is why we still need the Reformation — not a new one, but the same one. Not innovation, but preservation of Holy Scripture. Not novelty, but fidelity. The Church has been reformed, not by human creativity, but by the living Word of God. And so, Reformation Day, is not a museum exhibit. It is a call to repentance. It is a summons to return to the baptismal font, to the pulpit, to the altar, to Christ Himself. LIVING IN FREEDOM What does this freedom look like in daily life? It is not the freedom to sin, but the freedom to serve. As Luther wrote in his treatise, The Freedom of a Christian: “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” Because Christ has set us free from sin, death, and the devil, we are free to love and serve our neighbor. We are free to forgive as we have been forgiven. We are free to live not for ourselves only, but for the glory of God and service to His Church. This freedom is not abstract. It shows up in the ordinary vocations of life: • parents raising children in the faith, workers doing their jobs honestly, • citizens seeking the good of their community, • Christians bearing witness to Christ in word and deed. Free Indeed Dear friends, the Reformation is centered on one man -- Jesus Christ, the Son who sets us free. It is about the Word that endures despite persecution. It’s about the Gospel that still saves today. So, on this Reformation Sunday 2025, let us rejoice that we are not slaves, but sons and daughters of God. Let us trust in God’s Word and Christ’s offer of salvation. Let us cling to the cross where our freedom was won. And live as people who are free, indeed. To Christ alone be the glory. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Page 194 Post-Communion Collect (Left-hand column) Page 201 BENEDICTION Page 202 CLOSING HYMN 657 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igH38WLuyC0&list=RDigH38WLuyC0&start_radio=1

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October 19, 2025 6:41 pm

THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST October 19, 2025 Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto Divine Service III – Pages 184-202 ... View MoreTHE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST October 19, 2025 Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto Divine Service III – Pages 184-202 Lutheran Service Book OPENING HYMN: 940 “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” Confession and Absolution Page 184-185 Introit Psalm 74, verses 18-19, 20a, 21, 22a; antiphon Ps. 74:2a 2 Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage! 18 Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name. 19 Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; do not forget the life of your poor forever. 21Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name 20 Have regard for the covenant; 22 arise, O God, defend your cause. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. 2 Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage! The Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy) (Congregation) Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. The Salutation: Pastor: The Lord be with you. Congregation: And with thy spirit. Collect Prayer: O Lord, almighty and everlasting God, You have commanded us to pray and have promised to hear us. Mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may direct and govern our hearts in all things that we may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Our Bible Readings: Our First Reading Genesis 32:22-30 Psalm 121 Epistle Reading 2nd Timothy 3:14 – 4:5 Gospel Reading Luke 18:1-8 THE APOSTLES’ CREED Page 191 HYMN OF THE DAY: 773 “Hear Us, Father, When We Pray” THE SERMON – Brothers & sisters, peace, grace, and mercy be to you through God our Father, and our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. There are times when believers can become frustrated within the faith, even angry at God, and fall away. Ironically, this often centers around prayer and whether the Lord hears and answers us. When a Christian prays and asks for something, but God’s reply is ‘no’ or ‘not yet,’ they may think this is because God doesn’t love them. And if they feel God has abandoned them, they can fall into despair, reject the faith, and lose the salvation our Saviour won for us on the cross. Christ in our parable in Luke is saying to us, ‘Do not give up praying to God.’ Although He may seem to ignore your prayers at times, He doesn’t; He hears them, because the Lord loves and is gracious towards you, His believers, His saints. He is no wicked judge who ignores the pleas of widows, or only grants them so they will go away. The merciful judge is your Heavenly Father, who desires to protect you against evil and the hurtful things of this world, as much as a loving Father protects His child. It may seem, at times, that the Lord overlooks us. We may want to throw up our hands in frustration and say, "What’s the use of praying at all?" But it’s at times like these that we need to maintain the relationship with our loving Father the most. To draw closer, and not close the door to Him. And it’s this relationship of love, trust, and faith that’s key here in these words of Christ. One of the reasons we may not ‘seem’ to have prayers answered is that we’re directing God in how to respond to them. We can be dictating to Him what we want. He often doesn’t reply to that in any way we like. But with God, it is not our will which must be done, but His good and gracious will that we seek. That means prayer is also a form of submission to God. As believing Christians, we’re called to be faithful and to be patient. In our present lives, we may feel as vulnerable as the widow in the parable and beg for help. Our powerful enemy can appear poised and ready to destroy us. Yet one of the most potent weapons of our true enemy, satan, is doubt — of God, of His love, and His faithfulness to us. Just as doubt can destroy human relationships, it can injure and strain our relationship with our loving Father as well. We can feel abandoned when in reality, we abandon our God who loves us so much He sent His Son to die for our sins. The enemies of Christ mocked Him. They jeered at Him on the Cross, saying in essence: ‘God has abandoned you despite your calling out to Him, Jesus.’ ‘He doesn’t hear you.’ But all this was from satan, who from the beginning kept questioning God’s Word, including the Word incarnate. He did it then, he does it today. But Jesus prayed constantly, often withdrawing by Himself to lay His petitions before the Father. That relationship of love was at the core of His being. Christ knew His Father loved Him, even in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus believed His Father heard and would answer, and would vindicate Him as the only Son of God on Easter morning. Through faith in Christ, our Saviour, we are also saved and vindicated. The pains, troubles, and heartaches we experience in this life will not last forever. They will be replaced by an eternal joy no one can take from you. The love and justice of God for His Son was the empty tomb, and Christ revealed as the Redeemer of the world. The same ultimate proof will be our empty graves one day. The Father raised Christ to show that His sacrifice on the cross was accepted before the Almighty… …and that the ultimate prayer request of believers – salvation – is granted. We become ‘just’ through the only truly ‘just’ man who ever lived – Christ. And this ends all the lies of the enemy. You may not see vindication in this life. Your prayers for specific things may not be granted quickly, or even in this world. But on the last day, your prayer for release from sin, death, and suffering will be fulfilled. As a Christian, the true glory of what Christ has made you cannot be seen until Jesus raises us on the last day. Meanwhile, He calls upon believers to remain united to Him in the loving relationship expressed in, and through, prayer and weekly worship. Most earthly fathers want to hear from their children and for them to stay close. This is especially true of God the Father. We speak to Him in prayer, and He speaks to us in return, through His sacred Word, His sacraments, and His presence in the Church. He may seem to delay in His response to us because we think in human terms, in human time. Only in humility, trust, and faith do we understand that He will make all things right in His time. In the greatest rescue mission ever, God sent His Son to atone for our sin with His Blood. He has loved you this much, even before you were born. So, He commands us to pray, not because He needs to hear our prayers, but because He wants to hear them. Unlike the unrighteous judge of the parable, we are never a bother to Him. When we are joyful, He is as well. When we hurt, He does also. So, in the midst of trouble and trials, remain united to God in prayer. Remain faithful to His Word and the true Church, where His Word is preached and the Sacraments offered. May God grant you a faith that always clings to His promise – “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Page 194 Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) Page 195 The Lord’s Prayer Page 196 The Word of Our Lord Instituting the Lord’s Supper Page 197 Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) Page 198 The Distribution Nunc Dimittis – The Song of Simeon Page 199 Post-Communion Collect (Left-hand column) Page 201 CLOSING HYMN: 722 “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me”

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