1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Christ’s death our power!! 30/1/11

(18) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. {19} For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." {20} Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? {21} For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. {22} Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, {23} but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, {24} but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. {25} For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. {26} Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. {27} But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. {28} He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, {29} so that no one may boast before him. {30} It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. {31} Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

I can’t do it! I just can’t do it! This is something we hear such a lot in life, isn’t it: Especially in the life of the church? I can’t speak up and talk about my faith to others. I can’t serve on this or that committee. I can’t pray as I should. I can’t love as God would have me: like Paul, Peter and other great Christians. Yes, we Christians are often full of excuses why we can’t stand up and be the Christians that we are called to be.

On the other hand, however, we have many who would consider that they are pretty good in this area. They are full of themselves and their ability; and who find it very hard to understand why everyone else is not like them. In fact, this is becoming more and more a part of our Australian psyche, as we are being encouraged to think positively and to go and chase our dreams; and if it doesn’t come off then it is someone else’s fault. So we have those who push themselves into the limelight, and who can’t stop talking about themselves and their powers and abilities. They have the answers and are often critical of most other people. We have all seen and heard those people as well.

Now God here through Paul has a lot to say to both of these groups of people. Yes, Paul is primarily addressing those who consider themselves to be the super-Christians; the super-charismatics in the Corinthian congregation. They were the ones who considered themselves wise and powerful; the somebodies of Corinth. These people, it seems, were not afraid to let other people know how good they were, and the inference is that they even boasted about their abilities and how good a Christian they really were. And they looked down on those who were not like them. Paul here has a very telling word to give to these people. But the message from the text also goes out to those of us who like to sit back and do as little as possible because we do not feel that we can do what is expected.

The point is made that God has chosen [not we have chosen]; he has chosen the things that are weak, lowly and foolish. He works with the nobodies and the nothings of this world. Because after all there is nothing good about any one of us; no matter who we are. In God’s eyes, our very best is as a filthy, soiled pair of old underpants. The point is thereby made quite clearly that it is only because of God, and only because of Jesus death on the cross, that any one of us is in Christ; that we are Christians.

So whether we are strong or weak; foolish or wise; in the eyes of the world, we are only Christians because of the working of God in our lives. It is Christ who is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. It is Jesus’ death on the cross that has saved us, and made us somebodies. So no one can boast in themselves: in their decisions for Christ, their gifts, or whatever. It can only be in the Lord Jesus alone.

In Corinth, they needed to hear that because they were starting to see themselves as spiritually superior. They were patting themselves on the back, and were thinking that it was they themselves who had developed themselves into who they were. So they needed to hear again that it was God who had picked them up out of the gutter and made them who they were. It was God’s work and God’s work alone. He had chosen them, and it was he who was working any good in and through them.

He does this to put to shame those who seek to trust in their own wisdom, strength, standing in society, or whatever. He wants everyone to see that salvation, as well as power and wisdom for living is found nowhere else other that in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. It is not miracles that save a person; nor is it in having great wisdom and knowledge. For as Paul says, for the preaching of Christ crucified is a stumbling block to those who are looking for miracles, and it is foolishness to those who are looking to wisdom and knowledge.

It is Jesus’ death on the cross, alone, that makes salvation and life possible for anyone and everyone. Scripture makes it quite clear that we are totally and completely unable in any way shape or form, to do anything toward gaining our salvation. We only need to look back to the Jews of Jesus’ day, to see how they had shifted the focus to all that they had to do in order to be acceptable to God; and how Jesus so strongly condemns their self-righteousness; and tells us all that we are just not able to be acceptable to God by our goodness. Yet down through the history of the church to this very day, we see this same move towards a focus on us and our self-righteousness.

The Scriptures are quite clear, that no one is righteous; not even one. We all deserve death and hell. But thanks be to God that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross: to take that punishment that we deserve, on himself; and in turn extend to us the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of life and salvation. His death on the cross was absolutely critical for our salvation. There and there alone, we are extended and given the one sure hope that we need in an otherwise hopeless world.

So it is God’s work alone through Jesus death on the cross alone that we can stand up and be counted as Christians. The extension of this is also that, it is through God’s work that we can live the Christian life. When the opportunity comes for us to speak out the faith, it is God’s Spirit that gives us the words and the ability to speak them; and the promise that he will work through those words, no matter how well or poorly we think we have done. It is he who enables us to step out and do what is necessary in living out our lives as he calls us to do, and again, to bring help and growth through that.

So even though we might know that we can’t do it on our own, we now then know that he is there and at work despite us. So we can step out in faith, despite ourselves, and know that God is faithful. He will come through, even though it might seem to us that we are struggling. There are many, many Christian who can testify to this fact. In fact, I know many times when I have struggled both in the preparation and preaching of a sermon, that despite my efforts, people have come forward and commented on how that sermon had helped them in some way. Equally, there were those time when I thought I was doing a pretty good job of it, and there was just nothing. Again, this is just another reminder that God is at work, whenever Christ and him crucified is preached.

All God calls for from us, is to trust him, and then step out in faith and allow God to do what he has promised. The problem is though that too often, we either busy ourselves with worrying about ourselves and our weaknesses, as well as what people might think, or else we are too busy working out our strategies as to how we can do this ourselves, and too often for our own glory. So we look inward rather than outward and upward.

So we need reminding again and again, that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Jesus and his death on the cross turns everything upside down.

So let us be encouraged to step out in faith and be the people that God wants us to be. Let us step into those situations of uncertainty knowing that there God is also and that he does work in seeming weak and foolish ways. Through the simple message of Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation is extended to all. Where that message is lived and shared with others by us; no matter how weakly and poorly, we have the promise that God is at work, using that for good.

So now, our complete boast can be in the power and wisdom of God who works in mighty ways through that which seems foolish; as well as being at work in us; weak and foolish though we be. We don’t need to try to find some goodness in ourselves to boast about in order to make ourselves acceptable, because we are accepted by God through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. At the same time we need not sit back for fear that we cannot do what God asks of us, because now we know that God and his message of forgiveness through Christ crucified is our strength and wisdom which God promises to work through. So let our boast be, no matter who we be, be in Jesus Christ and him crucified. To him be glory and honour now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Isaiah 49:1-7. God’s purpose for you!! 16/1/11

(1) Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. {2} He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. {3} He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendour." {4} But I said, "I have laboured to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." {5} And now the LORD says-- he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honoured in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength-- {6} he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." {7} This is what the LORD says-- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel-- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."

Christmas has come and gone; and already we are well into another new year: Life keeps going on and on; and the seemingly meaningless devastations continue to confront us. However, here in the midst of this life, we are reminded again that as God's people there is purpose for us here in the struggles of this life: A special purpose; that only you and I, and other Christians can do. We have been chosen to do something important for the good of the rest of society; for the rest of the world. Yes, we are here to help restore people back into God's family. For this to happen the light of Christ has to go out and be seen by others. And God has chosen for it to go out through us here; through you and me.

Now, this is an important message for us to hear; for too often we think of the Christian faith as something that is simply between me and God. As long as we keep up our own faith, that is the important thing. Others think that they are not capable or have the ability to be God’s witnesses to others. While others just feel tired and frustrated: feeling that all their efforts in the past have been in vain.
That is why we again need to remember and hear the message that we have here before us.

The first thing we need to be reminded of and to keep firmly in our minds is the fact that as Christians we are witnesses – you and I are the people that God uses to make his Good News known to others. Through our connection to Christ, this is now our life. There is no, if we want to, or if we have got the time or talent. We are his witnesses. God has called and chosen us to be his witnesses. He wants to use each one of us, to reach out to a lost, hurting and frustrated world.

That of course raises the question as to how good a witness we are. But that aside for the moment, we need to hear that this is now our purpose, because far too often we shirk this responsibility. We think too much, just of ourselves; or we think that it is up to the pastor and other key people; or we simply think that we can't do this, or it is a waste of time, or whatever. But no, God has appointed us. We are a witness at all times. It is just a matter of whether that witness is good or bad.

But as we reflect on this, surely at the core of our being as Christians is the wonderful, life-giving Good News of Jesus Christ. This Jesus came into our world and rescued us from an eternity in hell, both here on earth and beyond. In turn, he gave us peace, hope and life that is truly magnificent. Also at our baptism, we were joined to this Christ and all that he did for us: to this one who loved us so much that he was prepared to die on the cross so that we might have this forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. So we have that assurance that God now accepts us as a part of his family, and that he rose again so that we can be absolutely sure that he truly is God and that he is for real. This surely is that which is centre and core of who we now are and what is of vital importance for us as we live out our lives every day in the midst of suffering and frailty.

Since Jesus Christ is then the light of our salvation and life, we then will be a light to the world around us. As we live out our lives with Christ as that which is all important to us, others will see this, and we are good witnesses for Christ. Others will automatically see that there is something different and special about us: not necessarily that we have life any easier and better, but that we have a hope, peace and meaning to life which is beyond comprehension.
Also because of Christ and what he has done for us it will also mean that we will have greater love and concern for others around us. This of course will be in the everyday sphere of life, but also by seeking to point them to the Lord Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. In this way, we display the splendour of our God, and all glory will go, and be sought to go, to him, rather than to ourselves.

Here as a little aside, if we are not good witnesses, and others are not seeing Christ in and through our lives, it is not up to us to try harder and to find a better technique. Surely, we need to go right back to the very basics: we need to get to know Jesus and what he has done for us. For once we truly know Jesus as our Lord and saviour and have faith in him alone; it will be seen: others will notice, and some will want to know more and will want to be a part of this new life.

But we might say along with Isaiah, ‘we have our faith and we have laboured to no purpose; we have spent our strength in vain and for nothing. The church is slowly dying and all the efforts that we have made seem to be falling on deaf ears, so what is the use; they are just not interested. So let us just look after ourselves.’ Or else we feel guilty and sad that some of our families have drifted and lost interest, and we just don’t know what else can be done. It is all too hard and beyond our being able to change things.

Yet here in Isaiah, as well as in many other places in Scripture, we are reminded that the results are not up to us; they are in Gods hands. We are simply to be witnesses to Christ and his Good News. When, where and how the Lord draws people, is his business. As with Israel, their time in exile came to an end and he brought his people home: maybe not as soon as the people wanted or expected, but it happened far easier and sooner than was ever earthly possible. So also will he bring back all who will allow him to. He will give them every possible chance. Let us remember that in these days God is speaking very clearly through the devastating floods that are being experienced in our nation.

All the while, we need to remember that our reward is already with our God. So we can give our all. We can live and be people in whom Christ lives and who know that together with him we have everything that is good and important; and so be his witnesses and light to the people around about us. Because we already have our reward: already we are guaranteed a place in heaven: won for us, not by our goodness, but by Christ himself; that surely gives us the courage and confidence to go out and seek to do the very best we can.

At the same time, God knows what he has in mind for the people around about us. He knows what is wanted and needed for their being restored back into God’s family; and he will use even tragedy to help people look to him once again and learn to rely on him.

Here also let us remember, this is not me speaking: not my wishful thinking; but this is the Lord who is telling us to know this; as well the fact that he is also our strength. He is the one who gives us this message; and who is true to his word. Again, his death and resurrection is our guarantee that this is what he has in mind for us and for the people that we come into contact with. So again, all we need to do is look to him, trust him, and get on with life in this world of ours as his witnesses.

Lastly, we need to keep in mind Isaiah’s challenge, where it is written, ‘is it too small of thing for us to be the Lord's servant:’ to be his instruments in bringing others back into the fold, and enabling the Lord's salvation to be known by all. Is this no big deal? Sometimes it may seem to us that it not all that important: that it is no big deal. But, we know and are reminded here that is: it is crucial because people’s salvation is at stake. We need to remember that this is a case of heaven or Hell. And most importantly, it is God and his glory which is at stake as well. So it is no small thing that we are a light to those around us who are in desperate need of it, whether they know it or not.

So with all this in mind, we have much in front of us as we go forward as God’s people. No matter who we are; as God's people, we are his witnesses: the people he has chosen to bring his salvation to the ends of the earth. So let us ensure as best we can, that we do show the light of Christ: the greatness of him who is saviour and Lord of all. To him alone be all glory and honour now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Isaiah 60:1-6. Light is shining in darkness!! 9/1/11

{1) "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. {2} See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. {3} Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. {4} "Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm. {5} Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. {6} Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

These verses have, I believe, great significance for us all today. Here we have a very apt description of the scene of life for our western world at this time. Darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over peoples. This one sentence adequately describes the situation of life for so many who are living in our a world that promises them so much, but has left them hurting, alone and without meaning and hope.

We as a world have lost our way as we continue to grope around in our own self-importance and self-gratification. We don't have any real and lasting sense of direction and purpose, except to follow these promises of our world, even though we can see the impact that it is having on so many lives. Yes, on the surface, we are full of confidence and bravado; but for so many, it belies what is inside. We are a world and a nation of hurting, lonely and depressed people.

As we look closely at what is going on around us, we see that we are continually ‘shooting ourselves in the foot’ as we try to fix our problems and hurts with a few more dollars and a lot more technology. Think about it, we believe that divorce is the answer to our marriage difficulties, but end up ruining the lives of our children, as well as leaving ourselves more lonely and hurt than before. Abortion is seen as an easy solution to an unwanted pregnancy that is the result of chasing after a few fleeting moments of pleasure. But then the woman sadly suffers untold psychological problems for the rest of their life. Here again I could go on with one example after another.
The point being, that time and time again, in an attempt to solve our problems, we fail; and in turn create even further difficulties for ourselves. We do so, because we have forgotten; - one - that it is people and relationships that matter more than anything else. Secondly - but most importantly, we have left God out of our lives, or relegated him to only a very small part of our lives. We have forgotten or failed to heed what God has to say about life and how we are to live and treat each other and our world. We have thought of ourselves and our achievements and thinking, too highly so that we fail to regularly turn back to God for forgiveness and help. That is why we find that more and more we are finding life to be dark and gloomy. We are groping around in the dark for our answers, and making things even worse for ourselves.

Sadly, in our world today there are far too many who, though they have started out as Christians, now think that they have outgrown their need for God. Yet it is interesting that now they seek their help and answers in all sorts of weird places; horoscopes, clairvoyancy and tarot cards are all the rage; eastern meditation and devil worship is on the increase; new age positive thinking has crept in everywhere, even in the church. And again, I could go on. More and more we are winding ourselves down and down into moral and spiritual decadence, depressive loneliness and hopelessness. We have lost our way. Thick darkness is over the peoples.

However, thankfully, that is not the full story - there is hope. The Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Through the doom and gloom of existence, there is a piercing light shining into this self-same world. In the midst of all of this darkness in life, we are given a whole new perspective that does change things, if only we would allow it. Because of Christmas there is a bright star hovering over us, lighting up our way and giving new hope for the future, if only we would take notice of it.

In Jesus Christ and his death on the cross there is now one who gives meaning, hope and direction to all of life. We now know that we are loved - that someone does care. We are valuable in the sight of God, no matter who are and how miserable our existence might be. The failures, sickness and death of this world is not the end; broken relationships can be mended - forgiveness is possible. No matter how troubled or difficult our life is, God is prepared to stick by us through it all. Above all, eternal life with God, is there for us now, because of Jesus’ death on the cross. So we can now live at peace with God and have the best of everything in heaven. In and with the Lord Jesus, this is all possible. And it is this that is the light that now shines over us.

However this light not only gives us a new way to look and think with regard to our relationship with the Almighty God, but it also now illuminates a different way of approaching life here and now. Jesus has also showed us the way to live with God, others and ourselves. He has given us answers to such things as divorce, abortion, the environment and many other things. He has shown us that it is possible to think and act in a way that is not centred on self, first, last and only. It is possible to love and be considerate of others. We can forgive one another, because God has forgiven us.

As a result of the coming of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation that he has won for us, we can now have a better idea on the importance of money, pleasure and material things. We are able to see that they are not as important as a good relationships with God and our fellow human beings. We can approach life in a whole new way because Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. There is a brightness there now for us in the midst of the darkness of this world.

So there is no need for us here to go about being gloomy. Yes, we can and must realistically look at life and recognise the problems that are around us, and name them. But we can at the same time go forward with hope and certainty through the difficulties of a sinful world. However, we don't need to follow the crowd, groping around in the darkness. We have every reason to be positive and confident about life, death and salvation. Christ has illuminated life for us, revealing all that is necessary for us to get through the turmoil of this life and to gain eternal life with our gracious God.

But here again we are realistic enough to know that we do not have everything within ourselves to help us, but that we need our Lord’s help all along the way. We also know that, even as Christians, not all of our difficulties and hardships will be taken away from us, or that we will not avoid facing death; but together with Jesus Christ we are given what is needed in order for us to get through it all. It is only as we acknowledge the presence and help of the Lord Jesus that our way is lit and the darkness is dispelled.

Then having this awareness of the Light, we are called to arise, shine, for our light has come - the glory of the Lord is shining over us. The call is for us as people who are Christians to now reflect the glory of Christ to those around us. It is through our witness that others will come to see the light of Christ and perhaps find meaning and hope for their own life; that they too may find the answer to everything - Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

If we are going to do anything to help our nation and our world through these troubled times, then we need to first have a closer relationship with God ourselves. For us the light increases as we spend time in personal devotion and our Divine Service, worship times. The more we allow Christ to have the focal point in our lives, the more he will be reflected out to those around us. And it is through that witness alone that our world has any hope of improvement. We are to reflect that light of Christ - to let his light shine, to those around us.

That really is the central message of our text; to let The Light shine. Not that we are to be the light - nor to ignore it - or to keep it to ourselves; but we need recognise that the light of the glory of Christ has risen over our lives and our world. He has done so much for us. It is He who has enlightened life for us. So let us not go back to groping around in the darkness. Christ has made so much difference. There is now meaning and purpose to life; there is peace, joy and hope for us all. There is light in the midst of the darkness, so let us all enjoy and reflect this for our own benefit and for the good of our world; But above all to the glory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Ephesians 1:3-14. Destined in love 2/1/11

(3) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. {4} For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love {5} he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- {6} to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. {7} In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace {8} that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. {9} And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, {10} to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. {11} In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, {12} in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. {13} And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, {14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

Well here we are at the beginning of another year. As we think about the year ahead, we, I am sure, wonder what it has in store for each one us: As the year progresses what will our health; both physical and spiritual be along the way. Also our family situations; our finances and security; the
weather; and many other things. Will this year bring us happiness, and prosperity or tragedy and death? What will our situation be at the end of this year? There is probably no more crucial question on our minds than this as we look forward to the year ahead.

This reminds me though of a story I had heard of two women talking to each other in the shopping centre. One said she had just returned from a holiday on Linderman Island. To which the other replied "Oh, where is that?"
"I don't really know," said the first. "I just flew in and flew out."
Now most of us fellas know what women are like with directions and that kind of thing, but isn't that typical of many people when it comes to their directions and destination in life? Many of them will fly into and out of this new year with the same indifference to their life here on earth.

Now it is true that we don't know what is all going to happen in this coming year, however one thing we do know as Christians is, that if we take God and his Word seriously there is the heartening assurance that our destiny is planned in divine love. Paul tells the believers in Ephesus and us this very thing when he states; "God destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ."

"Destined in love." What a great thought - your life in 2011 is destined in love. Both in the love you receive and in the love conveyed to others through you. That means that nothing really is just a matter of luck or blind chance. From all eternity, God has known you - as one whom he loves. He knows already what will happen in your life this year and what is good for you and all the rest. Now surely there is nothing more comforting and strengthening than this as we enter another new year.

With that, we know that we are safe in the eternal love of the Almighty God who has control of all things. What a great assurance that is for us as we embark on life in a new year with many uncertainties. Our whole life is first and foremost destined by this love of God. That means that this love has ensured that we already have been given every blessing that is of importance. Maybe it is not health, wealth, social standing or some other earthly grandeur; but he has given us those "spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms." Those blessing that have eternal value and that are necessary for our souls salvation. This surely is much better than a few meagre earthly benefits that are here today and gone tomorrow. However, he has also blessed us with many of these things as well, and we should not forget that or take it for granted. Here is a good point to recount all those many blessings that God has given to us this past year, because too often we take these many blessings, such as health, protection, family life, education, good weather and all of that for granted. We need to remember that they are all gifts from our loving Lord.

However, the greatest gift that our loving God has extended to us is; as our text says: In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. So we have been counted amongst those whom God calls his very own, because of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has chosen us to be his very own; not because of anything that we are or how good are; as we are anything but that. No, he chose us purely and simply because God has chosen to love us despite who we are. Here we are told, that he chose us, "even before world was made." He wanted us to be his very own, even before he created Adam and Eve; even though he knew that they would fail; even though we don't in the very least bit deserve it. He simply has chosen us.

Now of course, to be chosen by God and to receive his blessings it is necessary for us be "holy and without fault before him." He demands perfection from his people, and we know that this is impossible for us - miserable sods that we are. That is why he sent Jesus to our rescue.

We have just come from celebrating Christmas, where the central message is that God is come to be with us. He came as a little baby: as a human being just as we are, and then took the worlds sin - including yours and mine on his own shoulders, and then died in our place, taking God’s rejection and punishment on himself, so that we now can be forgiven and can live at peace with God. He then rose from the dead so that we can have the assurance that there is now eternal life for those who are connected to Jesus Christ. He has done all of this because of his love for us; and this death on the cross shows the extent of this love. Amazing, isn’t it, that he should sacrifice his own dear Son, for you and me. And it is not that he was reluctant to do this either; for we are told that, "this was his pleasure and purpose." In other words, he willingly and freely chose each one of us here to be his very own sons and daughters.

What greater assurance than this can we have and take with us through out this coming year. To know that he loves us that much that he was prepared to sacrifice his own Son means that surely then he will also see to it that nothing harmful will come our way as we live out our life every day. Whatever happens; even if we face trial and tragedy; sickness and death; it is all covered by God's love for us and will all be for ours and others souls salvation.

Now, New Year is commonly a time for making resolutions. Paul here in his letter to the Ephesians gives us a most challenging suggestion of all: to
grow in the understanding and insight into just what God has done for us: what his love means for us; so that our relationship with him may grow even stronger. So in many ways God is encouraging us here to, in this coming year to allow the love and knowledge of God to have full sway in our lives.

Along with that then also, our future will be one of love for our fellow human beings as well. That God should accept and take care of us, no matter who we are, means that we also will now reach out to those around us whom God places before us, and we will love them all with that same love. Since we are destined in God's love, we like Paul will seek for others and ourselves to be given " the Spirit who makes you wise and reveals God to you, so that we will all know him better: And ''that our minds may be opened to see his light - so we will know what is the hope to which he has
called us and how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people"

This is our destiny for 2011. To allow the Spirit who make us wise to give us greater understanding of God's love for us and what he has done for us through Jesus Christ. This is to be our one great endeavour this year. Then like Paul, let us not stop giving thanks to God, praising him for his glorious grace: the free gift he gave us in his own dear Son.

That means then that worship will also be a big part of life for us this year ahead. Not just one hour each Sunday morning; but all day, every day, in how we live and work, thanking and praising him for all that he has done for us.

So what has 2011 in store for you? I don't know about you, but with all that our text here tells us and assures us of, as well as challenges us, we have a full year and a good year ahead of us. We are destined in love: therefore, we need not fear personal problems, ill health, struggling to make ends meet, even death itself; for our divinely ordained goal is certain. Beyond human error, sin and tragedy, we hold to this sure and certain hope: we have been received into God’s kingdom, and it cannot be taken away from us. We are destined in God's love. So, a happy and blessed New Year to you all. AMEN

Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish