A message from Pastor Berndt
‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ (Luke 16)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Is the Word of God enough? Is the Word of God enough to take you through all you face in life? Is the Word of God enough to take away your sin? Is the Word of God enough to defeat your death? Is the Word of God enough to bring you to heaven?
For many today they look in all the wrong places for answers to these questions. They look to their works, experience, feelings, emotion and signs. WRONG PLACE TO LOOK.
Jesus gives us a parable about two men who die on the same day. The Rich Man in the parable seems “to have it all”—by this world’s standards. He is famous, he is rich and powerful. His best life now. The problem with this Rich Man—he shut his ears to the Word of God—his heart was hard and he had NO FAITH. This Rich Man dies. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment. (Luke 16) The Rich Man is in Hell. No Faith—No Heaven.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3) Once one dies, all the chances to hear God’s Word stop.
There is another in the parable—Lazarus the poor man. His life is the opposite—he has no money, he is not powerful—but instead Lazarus suffers. But Lazarus has the Word of God, even in the midst of all he faces—the Word of God comforts him and gives peace. Lazarus had many days where he was hungry. “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4) The Word of God is enough to carry Lazarus and you through the Valley of the Shadow of Death into Heaven. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. (Luke 16)
Jesus Christ is the Word of God come down from Heaven to make His dwelling among us. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1) Jesus fulfills the Word of God for you. From A to Z, from beginning to end. Jesus declares: “I am the Alpha and the Omega.”(Rev. 1) Jesus goes to the Cross for all your sin and the sins of the world. Jesus dies in the place of sinners and rises over the grave. Jesus’ Word is sure and certain because Christ has risen!
These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20)
Where to go with your sin? Where to go with your pain? Where to go with your death? Jesus’ Word of promise. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. (John 6)
You, the Baptized Children of God, gather around God’s Word. Hear another sermon. Hear with joy the message of Christ Crucified for you. Hold God’s Word sacred, gladly hear and learn the Word of God. Believing in Jesus—God’s Word is great joy now and eternally. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
God's Word Is Our Great Heritage LSB 582:1
God’s Word is our great heritage And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way, In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant, while worlds endure, We keep its teachings pure Throughout all generations