Man of Dust, Man of Heaven

Sermon on Genesis 2:7-17, for the 7th Sunday after Trinity, about the creation of Adam, who we are as humans, and what God's original good purposes were for mankind. What image do we bear now? (1 Corinthians 15). What does this passage foreshadow about the Fall into sin? What's the passage illustrate about work? Stewardship? How does the knowledge of evil affect us? What is significant about how it did not affect Jesus? How will we bear the "image of the man of heaven?"

The Ten Commandments

Sermon on the Ten Commandments, for the 6th Sunday after Trinity, 1 Year Lectionary, about how disobeying the commandments goes against our own interest. But what is our greatest problem when we have broken them? What "house" did Israel leave, before God gave them the Ten Commandments? What "house" did God intend for them to live in? Who is the "Father of the house", and how does He grant entry or reentry? What is the relationship of Jesus to the Ten Commandments, and the relation of the Christian towards the commandments, both before and after salvation? 

I have also written a hymn for the Ten Commandments that is a paraphrase of the Small Catechism. It can be sung to a variety of tunes on the meter 87 87 D

God the Lord brought you from Egypt

Text: paraphrase of the Small Catechism by Joshua V. Schneider

Meter: 87 87 D

Suggested Tune: Joyous Light, LSB 932

1. God the Lord brought you from Egypt

• From the land of slavery
• Him alone you then must worship
• “Have no other gods but me”
• Carve no image, make no idol,
• Place no other on His throne;
• Let your fear, love, trust and reverence
• Rise to One True God alone.
•  

2. Never take God’s Name but lightly

• Teaching falsely, lies or hate
• Never use God’s Name for cursing
• For His Holy Name is great.
• Take His Name for pray’r and praising
• Teaching truly, and in love
• Bear His Name, the Christian’s honor,
• His the Highest Name above!
•  

3. Always keep the Sabbath holy,

• ‘Tis a day of peace and rest,
• Set aside your toilsome labors
• By the Word of God be blest.
• Gladly hear God’s Word and teaching
• Let His Word into your heart,
• For six days for work He’s given,
• Set the seventh day apart.
•  

4. Honor father and your mother,

• Anger and despise them not
• Leaders, by our God are given
• So respect them as you ought.
• Honor them, serve and obey them,
• Loved and cherished from His hand,
• So the generations after,
• Will live long within the land.
•  

5. God’s Word says: “You shall not murder”

• Life is good, a precious gift
• We are made in God’s own image,
• No fist ‘gainst your neighbor lift.
• Do not hurt or harm his body,
• Help, support his every need;
• Guard the weak and the defenseless
• Who are loved by God indeed.
•  

6. You shall not commit adultery,

• Lead a chaste and decent life,
• Let not your eyes lusting, wander
• From your husband or your wife.
• Keep the marriage union holy
• Let not sin drive it apart,
• Bless what God has joined together
• Love and honor in your heart.
•  

7. God’s Word says: “You shall not ste—al”

• Any neighbor’s property
• Do not take his goods or get them
• any way dishonestly.
• Help him to improve and keep them,
• Do as you would, unto you;
• Gain your goods by honest labor
• Work and give with your hands true.
•  

8. Bear no witness ‘gainst your neighbor,

• Using tongue to lash or lie
• Do not slander or betray him,
• Spreading rumors falsely by.
• But defend his reputation
• Use your tongue to bless and pray
• And whenever you are doubtful,
• Speak it in the kindest way.
•  

9. God’s Word says, “You shall not covet”

• That means want it sinfully.
• Covet no man’s wife or workers
• Not his home, or property.
• Do not scheme, allure or take them
• Help them always to be true;
• Content, faithful in their duty,
• Just as God desires of you.
•  

10. God the Lord says, “I am jealous”;

• Punish those who disobey,
• But a thousand generations
• I bless all who will obey.
• I give grace and every blessing
• If you love all my commands.
• So do not relax or weaken
• Even one of my demands.
•  

11. I confess, Lord, I have broken

• Your most holy, just commands.
• I can make no claim of merit
• That before your justice stands.
• But before your throne of mercy,
• I am pleading by your Son;
• Pour on me His grace and favor,
• That upon the cross was won.
•  

12. Jesus Christ obeyed and honored

• Every law of God for us.
• Though His law is good and holy,
• It can give no righteousness.
• But by faith it has been given
• To all who believe and trust
• It’s the righteousness of Jesus,
• Praise and thank His Name so Just.

Live Caught for the Lord’s Service

Sermon on Luke 5:1-11, for the 5th Sunday after Trinity (1 Yr. Lectionary), about the call of Peter, the miracle catch of fish, the call to discipleship, and Peter's unworthiness. How does Jesus come to us in our sin? What use does He have for our gifts? Why does He ask for our help? How do we react like Peter to the Lord's commands? 

I also have composed a hymn to accompany this passage, printed below:

Into a Net that Christ Prepares

Text: Joshua V. Schneider

Meter: CM (86 86)

Melody: MCKEE (LSB 653 In Christ there is No East or West)

Into a Net that Christ Prepares

A world of sinners swim

His Gospel promises He shares

And whole, encircles them.

Though nets may strain, they will not break

His church, it firm shall stand,

For this confession it shall make:

“Christ is Living God and Man!”

Before His holiness we cry:

“Have mercy, Lord, on me!”

And on our knees hear His reply,

“From all your sins be free!”

“Caught live for purposes my own,

Gifts I bestow on you;

Are to be used as I have shown,

Serve them as I have you.”

Beholding Christ with unveiled face,

His image we will take;

Drawn on our service He will trace,

To live for other’s sake.

Into the world the Gospel casts

The joy of Christ’s new life!

Releases us from dreadful blasts,

Of sin and bitter strife.

God’s kingdom prospers by His grace

We’re sent by His command

Catch men and women, every race

Drawn by His nail-marked hand.

Merciful as Your Father

Sermon on Luke 6:36-42, for the 4th Sunday after Trinity, about Jesus' teaching on mercy and forgiveness, and how we are not to judge or condemn. What does the parable about the blind man and the log and the speck mean? What is the hypocrisy we are so prone to? How do we become merciful after the example of our Father and Jesus our Teacher? What is the positive side of our responsibility to help restore and lead others away from sin? How is this different from judging or condemning? 

Miracle Moms and Spirit-filled Sons

Sermon on Luke 1:39-45, the Visitation (1 Year Lectionary), about the visit of the pregnant Virgin Mary to the pregnant Elizabeth, and the joy and the movement of the Holy Spirit that occurred on that encounter. What does this teach us about preborn infants and their relation to the Holy Spirit? What does it show about the presence of Jesus, as it relates to faith, the Spirit, and joy? In both the people in the story, and in us today? What is the core essence of faith? When do humans become "spiritual vessels", capable of receiving the Holy Spirit and His action upon us?