Our Bible Study group begins meeting again on Sunday. Here’s a paragraph attempt at summarizing Ecclesiastes chapters 1-9.
(1-2) All done “under the sun” is temporary, but God enables enjoyment of this temporary life. (3) There are lasting things “behind” what we see “under the sun.” The created world points to a grand Creator, who will settle all accounts in the end. (4) Don’t look for fulfillment in extremes. Laziness and work-a-holism both lead to ruin. (5) Revere God. Money isn't the meaning of life. God alone can teach you to experience a fulfilling life. (6) In summary to this point… If God doesn't give a person the ability to enjoy what he has under the sun, all is utterly empty “under the sun.” (7) Seek the middle path which avoids extremes. Everyone’s a sinner. The wise aren't really all that wise. (8) Don’t let the prosperous wicked lead you to do evil. Seek the simple path of contentment. But know that the right way doesn't always lead to reward “under the sun.” Even the wisest cannot comprehend why things happen as they do “under the sun.” (9) Fate is not uniform and predictable. Yet living in an unpredictable world is better than being dead. Enjoy life, and go for the gusto! Death is coming…
Solomon has three chapters left to bring us to his ultimate insight on life, it’s meaning, and how to live it. Join us this Sunday in God’s Word.
10am Bible Class and Sunday School
11am Worship
Un-decorating after worship.
-Pastor Schaller
Friday, January 3, 2014
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Ecclesiastes 8 - Wisdom and the Limits of Reason
Last Sunday our Bible Study group took a look at Ecclesiastes 7. Solomon has shifted from asking hard hitting questions about life and its meaning toward giving more direction and advice in the form of proverbs. Tomorrow we'll continue into chapter 8 where Solomon will continue to offer bits of wisdom, but will also bemoan the inability of even the wisest of people to comprehend why things happen as they do under the sun. Please join us in God's Word.
10am Bible Class (Kids have practice for the Christmas Eve service)
11am Worship
-Pastor Schaller
10am Bible Class (Kids have practice for the Christmas Eve service)
11am Worship
-Pastor Schaller
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Liturgical Worship - Sep 22, 2013
Last Sunday we learned about a worship format called, "Journey into the Holy of Holies". This particular format falls into the category of "Free Flowing Praise" style worship. This style is characterized by a large block of congregational singing at the beginning, which is followed by Scripture and a sermon.
This Sunday we'll be examining our own chosen format of worship - liturgical worship. Instead of a seamless, free flowing worship experience, liturgical worship consists of individual events strung together like beads on a necklace. Why do we stand and sit? Where do the responses come from? Introit? Gradual? Huh? Come learn what the pieces of liturgical worship mean.
10am Bible Class and Sunday School
11am Worship
-Pastor Schaller
This Sunday we'll be examining our own chosen format of worship - liturgical worship. Instead of a seamless, free flowing worship experience, liturgical worship consists of individual events strung together like beads on a necklace. Why do we stand and sit? Where do the responses come from? Introit? Gradual? Huh? Come learn what the pieces of liturgical worship mean.
10am Bible Class and Sunday School
11am Worship
-Pastor Schaller
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Journey into the Holy of Holies - Sep 15, 2013
Last Sunday we learned about a popular worship format called, "Free Flowing Praise". In this format the worship leader uses carefully chosen songs (in one big block, joined seamlessly together) to bring the congregation through the following six phases. Invitation to worship, Engagement in worshiping God, Exaltation of God with stronger music, Adoration of God with a more personal tone, Intimacy with a quieter, more individual sense of communing with God, and a Closeout which leads the congregation out of intimacy and readies them for the next event in the service. The next event may be a sermon/message from the pastor after which the worship service is over.
This Sunday we're going to examine another worship format called, "The Journey into the Holy of Holies". The inspiration for this format is the Old Testament people of Israel making their way up to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple--going out of the hustle and bustle of the ordinary world, into the outer courts, and finally into the inner courts of the Temple.
Come join us to learn about different worship methods. Bible Study and Sunday School begin at 10am in the downstairs fellowship hall, with Worship at 11am.
-Pastor Caleb Schaller
This Sunday we're going to examine another worship format called, "The Journey into the Holy of Holies". The inspiration for this format is the Old Testament people of Israel making their way up to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple--going out of the hustle and bustle of the ordinary world, into the outer courts, and finally into the inner courts of the Temple.
Come join us to learn about different worship methods. Bible Study and Sunday School begin at 10am in the downstairs fellowship hall, with Worship at 11am.
-Pastor Caleb Schaller
Friday, September 6, 2013
Free Flowing Praise - Sept 8, 2013
Before we broke for the Summer, our Bible Study group was examining worship. We shared things that we consider beneficial about our current way of worshiping, as well as things that we don't. This Sunday our Bible Study starts up again with an examination of one form of worship very common in modern Churches - "Free Flowing Praise".
-Pastor Caleb Schaller
To DOWNLOAD a copy of
today’s handout, first right click here then choose "save link as" or
"save target as". Older handouts are removed to conserve server
space, but are available by request.
-Pastor Caleb Schaller
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
The Word Becomes a Light to Gentiles - Sunday, October 21, 2012
Sunday Bible Class is studying "Acts". Luke wrote this book in chunks neatly organized by summary statements that come up every so often. This Sunday we'll be studying Acts 9:32-12:24, "The Word of the Lord Becomes a Light to the Gentiles". Notable stuff in this section: Peter preaches to a Roman Centurion, Paul and Barnabas set up a church in Syria, Herod gets a divine beat-down, and we find out what tongue speaking was all about in the early church. Come be in the Word with us this Sunday at 10am. Be sure to read the section ahead of time since we won't be reading through it all in class.
-Pastor Schaller
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Luke 20 - Jesus One, Enemies Zero
1-8 It seems that the religious authorities wanted Jesus to say He was from God. They could make this look bad, though it was true. "Look! He's crazy! He thinks he's from God!" Maybe they could also make Jesus seem dangerous to the Romans with these "incriminating" words from Jesus' mouth. Jesus turns it around on them. He asks them to identify the source of John's baptizing. God was the one who sent John to baptize - so God was the source. If they answered truthfully, they'd be speaking the same "incriminating" words they wanted to pin on Jesus! Not only that, they'd be condemning themselves since they hadn't accepted John's message and baptism. But if they said their real opinion, the "crazy" people would be enraged for they knew John was a prophet of God. The Scribes and elders weren't concerned with the truth, but only with using public opinion to accomplish their goals.
9-18 The prophets of God continually came to God's chosen nation and were rejected. Eventually God sent His Son, who was rejected as well - and murdered (see Matthew 23:29-36). God would soon take the Gospel from the rejecters and offer it to the Gentiles. Concerning Jesus, the Stone which the builders rejected - see Psalm 118:22 and Acts 4:11-12. The last line expresses the invincibility of Christ when attacked, and when He judges on the Last Day. Though rejected by the chosen nation of Israel, the Messiah would ultimately triumph.
19-26 The Jews knew what this coin's inscriptions said . On one side it said, “Tiberius, son of the god Augustus.” On the other, “Pontifex Maximus” (or high priest).See Exodus 20:1-6.Jesus deftly explains that you can honor the pagan emperor because his authority ultimately comes from God, while at the same refusing to give him the honor that belongs to God alone. Pay taxes to Rome, pay worship to God.
27-40 See Jesus' harsh reply in Matthew 22:29. The question was irrelevant because the next world doesn't will be different than this one (see Revelation 21:1 and following). With this one response Jesus slams the Sadducees rejection of angels, spirits and the resurrection. He also points out the source of their pitiful lack of knowledge. The Sadducees were poor theologians because they didn't know the Word of God as authoritative, nor did they believe God to have real power for their lives. Kinda like modern "churches" who dilute the Bible into a contemporary Aesop's fables only meant to teach morality through legends.
41-44 Jesus references Psalm 110:1. Luther says, "Here, as in nowhere else in the Old Testament Scriptures, we find a clear and powerful description of His person-who he is, namely, both David's promised Son according to the flesh and God's eternal Son" (Luther's Works 13:228, Cited by TLSB). The Jewish mind considered the father always of greater authority than the son who came from him. So, how could David's Son be greater than himself? David's Son was also His superior "Lord = Master" because He was also the divine Son of God.
45-47 After silencing His opponents, Jesus openly warns the people hearing Him: Don't be like the Bible scholars - who practiced their religion to gain prestige and authority, not in genuine worship of the true God and author of the Bible. See also Jesus' early warning to the people concerning the religious leaders in Matthew 5:20.
9-18 The prophets of God continually came to God's chosen nation and were rejected. Eventually God sent His Son, who was rejected as well - and murdered (see Matthew 23:29-36). God would soon take the Gospel from the rejecters and offer it to the Gentiles. Concerning Jesus, the Stone which the builders rejected - see Psalm 118:22 and Acts 4:11-12. The last line expresses the invincibility of Christ when attacked, and when He judges on the Last Day. Though rejected by the chosen nation of Israel, the Messiah would ultimately triumph.
19-26 The Jews knew what this coin's inscriptions said . On one side it said, “Tiberius, son of the god Augustus.” On the other, “Pontifex Maximus” (or high priest).See Exodus 20:1-6.Jesus deftly explains that you can honor the pagan emperor because his authority ultimately comes from God, while at the same refusing to give him the honor that belongs to God alone. Pay taxes to Rome, pay worship to God.
27-40 See Jesus' harsh reply in Matthew 22:29. The question was irrelevant because the next world doesn't will be different than this one (see Revelation 21:1 and following). With this one response Jesus slams the Sadducees rejection of angels, spirits and the resurrection. He also points out the source of their pitiful lack of knowledge. The Sadducees were poor theologians because they didn't know the Word of God as authoritative, nor did they believe God to have real power for their lives. Kinda like modern "churches" who dilute the Bible into a contemporary Aesop's fables only meant to teach morality through legends.
41-44 Jesus references Psalm 110:1. Luther says, "Here, as in nowhere else in the Old Testament Scriptures, we find a clear and powerful description of His person-who he is, namely, both David's promised Son according to the flesh and God's eternal Son" (Luther's Works 13:228, Cited by TLSB). The Jewish mind considered the father always of greater authority than the son who came from him. So, how could David's Son be greater than himself? David's Son was also His superior "Lord = Master" because He was also the divine Son of God.
45-47 After silencing His opponents, Jesus openly warns the people hearing Him: Don't be like the Bible scholars - who practiced their religion to gain prestige and authority, not in genuine worship of the true God and author of the Bible. See also Jesus' early warning to the people concerning the religious leaders in Matthew 5:20.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Luke 19 - Mar 4, 2012
Here's the texts and points we discussed today.
1-10 Son of Man came to rescue the lost.
11-27 Be trustworthy with whatever is entrusted you.(1)
28-40 Jesus is the Davidic King of 2 Samuel 7:12-13.(2)
41-44 Jerusalem was destroyed for rejecting the Messiah.(3)
45-48 The Temple was meant to be a spiritual sanctuary.
(1) This parable was used to counter the idea that the time of glory was immanent. (2) Zechariah 9:9. (3) This is the second time Jesus cleansed the Temple. For the cleansing that came at the beginning of Jesus' ministry see John 2:13-16.
1-10 Son of Man came to rescue the lost.
11-27 Be trustworthy with whatever is entrusted you.(1)
28-40 Jesus is the Davidic King of 2 Samuel 7:12-13.(2)
41-44 Jerusalem was destroyed for rejecting the Messiah.(3)
45-48 The Temple was meant to be a spiritual sanctuary.
(1) This parable was used to counter the idea that the time of glory was immanent. (2) Zechariah 9:9. (3) This is the second time Jesus cleansed the Temple. For the cleansing that came at the beginning of Jesus' ministry see John 2:13-16.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Luke 18 - Feb 19, 2012
Here's a few points I found in Luke 18. Share your own. We got through verse 17 this Sunday. We'll continue next Sunday. Join us!
v1-8 Pray continually. Don’t give up on God.
v9-14 God opposes the proud but lifts up the humble.(1)
v15-17 People must receive the Kingdom of God like babies.(2)
v18-27 It is impossible for rich people to enter heaven.(3)
v28-30 Personal sacrifices don’t save a Christian, but they will be rewarded.(4)
v31-34 The suffering, death and resurrection of the Son of Man was foretold in the Old Testament, and pointed to by Jesus.(5)
v35-43 Spiritual and physical healing come through faith in Jesus.(6)
Footnotes: (1) 1 Peter 5:5-7 (2) Babies don’t earn. Everything they get is given to them. (3) Law mirror shows us our sin. It’s also impossible for the poor. God must open heaven and usher us in if we are to enter. (4) Colossians 3:23-24 (5) Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 (6) 2 Samuel 7:12-13 The Son of David = Descendant of David and Ruler of the Eternal Kingdom.
v1-8 Pray continually. Don’t give up on God.
v9-14 God opposes the proud but lifts up the humble.(1)
v15-17 People must receive the Kingdom of God like babies.(2)
v18-27 It is impossible for rich people to enter heaven.(3)
v28-30 Personal sacrifices don’t save a Christian, but they will be rewarded.(4)
v31-34 The suffering, death and resurrection of the Son of Man was foretold in the Old Testament, and pointed to by Jesus.(5)
v35-43 Spiritual and physical healing come through faith in Jesus.(6)
Footnotes: (1) 1 Peter 5:5-7 (2) Babies don’t earn. Everything they get is given to them. (3) Law mirror shows us our sin. It’s also impossible for the poor. God must open heaven and usher us in if we are to enter. (4) Colossians 3:23-24 (5) Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 (6) 2 Samuel 7:12-13 The Son of David = Descendant of David and Ruler of the Eternal Kingdom.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Luke 17
It helps me to crystallize the ideas of a section into one sentence (if possible). Below is what I came up with for Luke 17. We're got about half way through this chapter today. We'll take it up again next Sunday. Join us!
Luke 17
1-3a Death is preferable to causing someone to sin. (1)
3b-4 Rebuke sin. Respond to a change of heart with forgiveness. (2)
5-6 Faith is as powerful as that which it trusts in. (3)
7-9 Don’t expect cake and a party for doing your job. (4)
11-19 The fitting and faithful response to God’s grace is thanks and praise.
20-21 The reign of God begins in the heart.
22-24 Expect no secret return of Jesus – it will be obvious to all.
25 Jesus was rejected by His own generation.
26-30 The return of the Son of Man will be accompanied by destruction.
31-33 Have no regard for “stuff” on the Last Day.
34-36 No outward associations will matter on the last day.(5)
(1)Law. (2)Gospel. (3)Mt. 21:18 Peter asks if seven forgivenesses is enough… (4)In context: Don’t think yourself special for forgiving people. That’s your duty. (5)“Where too, Lord?” If this is the rapture, count me out.
Luke 17
1-3a Death is preferable to causing someone to sin. (1)
3b-4 Rebuke sin. Respond to a change of heart with forgiveness. (2)
5-6 Faith is as powerful as that which it trusts in. (3)
7-9 Don’t expect cake and a party for doing your job. (4)
11-19 The fitting and faithful response to God’s grace is thanks and praise.
20-21 The reign of God begins in the heart.
22-24 Expect no secret return of Jesus – it will be obvious to all.
25 Jesus was rejected by His own generation.
26-30 The return of the Son of Man will be accompanied by destruction.
31-33 Have no regard for “stuff” on the Last Day.
34-36 No outward associations will matter on the last day.(5)
(1)Law. (2)Gospel. (3)Mt. 21:18 Peter asks if seven forgivenesses is enough… (4)In context: Don’t think yourself special for forgiving people. That’s your duty. (5)“Where too, Lord?” If this is the rapture, count me out.
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