Sermon Text for Sunday, June 17

June 17, 2018                                                                        Text:  2 Corinthians 5:1-10

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

I am a tent dweller.  Yes, it’s true.  This young man in front of you, you still see me that way, don’t you? Dwelt in a tent on family vacations from ages 5-15.  I’ve slept in a tent from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to Los Angeles, California.  From the north woods of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.  The son of Doug and Pat Lueck laid his head somewhere different every night as we traversed the continental United States.

Have you been a tent dweller?  Do you have stories like mine?  Coleman lantern for light, walk to your shower, pancakes on the Coleman stove in the morning.  Tent put up, tent put down and on to the next town.  Even if you have not had these experiences you are still a tent dweller.  You are dwelling in one right now.  This place is not your permanent home.  This is a temporary dwelling.  You may be laying your head in the same place every night but at some point that will end.  So how do you see yourself?

“TENT DWELLER OR MANSION RESIDENT?”

Someday you are going to be a resident of that eternal mansion through faith in Christ as Savior and Lord but until then, well…”For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” (v. 2) Yes, we want to move out of the tent and into the permanent mansion that waits.  But there’s a catch.  Not everyone gets a glorious, eternal, permanent dwelling.  Paul says, “If indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.” (v. 3)  You see, in eternity we will all receive what is due:  either a permanent heavenly dwelling, our bodies glorified, or our bodies stripped bare of any heavenly glory.  Some will be found naked.

Paul continues:  “For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened – not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (v. 4)  In the temporary dwelling of our body we groan from the weight and burden of sin.  It weighs us down, ages our bodies, slows our step, creaks our bones, wrinkles our skin, sags our dwelling.

When we move into our permanent heavenly dwelling, the temporary tent in which we groan is not stripped away.  Rather, it is further clothed; it is upgraded and perfected.  It is swallowed up by life – eternal life, immortal life.

So why, in eternity, will some be found naked and others will be further clothed?  Because we all must appear before the judgment seat.  We will either receive a key to the glorious mansion or we will be left naked.

Does that mean that in order to inherit the heavenly mansion we must do good in the body?  Are we really judged and awarded by what we do?  How do we know, on our personal scale of justice, the good things we’ve done outweigh the sinful things?

What about unintentional sins?  Remember saying something without thinking and hurting someone?  They don’t count, do they?  It wasn’t intentional.

What about neglecting someone who needed help?  You ignored it.  Does that count as something bad in the body?  Hey, we’re fooling ourselves.  The answer is we can never do enough good in the body to receive the glorious heavenly dwelling.  We all fall short of the glory of God.  So then how can we receive it?

Paul gives the answer.  “He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (v. 5)  Left to our own, we cannot do good things.  Christ has done it by taking our sin, our evil deeds, into his body.  He conquered our sin on the cross within his body.  All that is left for us is our good deeds, which are done through the Spirit as a guarantee.

“So we are always of good courage.  We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.” (v. 6-7)  In faith we see that Christ takes all our sins of hurtful words and neglect away through His death and resurrection.  In faith we see that heavenly dwelling waiting for us.

By about age 15 I was getting a little tired of camping.  I wanted a hotel room.  Cable TV, indoor pool, no critter noises at night.  Then the Lord intervened.  We were camping somewhere in the southeast and had a large rain one night.  The roof of the tent must have had a leak because my sister woke up all red.  She was in a red sleeping bag and the rain had dripped on her.  Some of our clothes and camping gear also got wet.  The next night we were going to be in Atlanta, Georgia.  My parents came to their senses and we found a hotel room – it was the heavenly mansion I had been waiting for.  Tenting since then has been less than ten times.

I look at the heavenly mansion waiting for me the same way.  Rain is going to fall, things are going to wet and uncomfortable, but the dwelling is only temporary.  We dwell in our tent, but that is all we do.  Our heavenly home is where we make our eternal residence.  For me it is a hotel room in Atlanta, Georgia.  What is it for you?

Live in the assurance – of good courage, Paul says – that this temporary dwelling, in which we groan, will be replaced by an eternal heavenly dwelling.  It will be!  See you there.

Amen.

Bulletin Announcements

June 17, 2018

Happy Father’s Day!

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 4:34 – “He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to His own disciples He explained everything.”  How blessed we are to be His disciples! The Lord has indeed explained everything to us.  He has told us all things plainly.  Why then are we ever so foolish as to disobey His clear Word?  Our fight against sin in the power of the Holy Spirit is truly a struggle.  Therefore let us receive the Lord’s help in His Word and Sacraments – and let us fight the good fight of faith and grow up into His image.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the JULY NEWSLETTER.  Janet Evans is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or you may call her at (309) 838-1552.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!  On Sunday, July 15th, we are having one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  We are having a congregational breakfast before the service (start time not yet set).  Adult Bible Class and Sunday School will follow the worship service and will be held back inside.  To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE:  On Saturday, July 14th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is Good Shepherd’s Red Cross Blood Drive.  You may sign-up on the table in the narthex or online at: redcrossblood.org.  Put in our zip code (61704), find our drive and get your arm ready to give the gift of life.  We are serving breakfast that morning as well.  Also, posters and place cards are available if you can put them up at your place of business or work.  It would be appreciated.  Thank you!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S GROUP OUTING:  The Group Outing for the Normal Cornbelters Baseball Game rained out last Sunday has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 29th.  Details will follow as they become available.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19th.  More information to follow.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:   The July – September 2018 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, is accepting applications for our Lead Teacher in the 3’s classroom for the 2018-2019 school year.  The 3’s class meets 3 days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The teacher will also be required to attend any extra events, for example the Ice Cream Social and Christmas Program.  For more information, please contact Dona Weddle at (309) 452-5609 ext. 3, or e-mail her at: ashiningstart@frontier.com.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Don’t You Care?” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 4:38-41.  After seeing one of the Savior’s miracles the disciples asked, “Who is this Guy?”  After Pentecost, they knew Who Jesus was and why He had come.  Even so, the world keeps coming up with wrong answers when they ask, “Just Who is this Guy? The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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Bulletin Announcements

June 10, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 3:35 – “Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”  Doing the will of God starts with trusting in His Son Jesus Christ.  Once we have faith in Him and have been reborn as new creatures through Holy Baptism, we strive to grow in this faith and in a life that agrees with our faith.  Growing in generosity, in kindness, and in love across our callings in the home, in church, and in society is growing into the family of God: for all who do His will are His brothers, and sisters, and mothers.

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

TODAY:  Good Shepherd’s Group Outing to the Normal CornBelters game is TODAY, June 10th. Game time is 6:05 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00 per person and will include a reserved box seat and a concession voucher that can be used for a hot dog, small drink and bag of chips.  Good Shepherd’s own Katey Parry will sing the national anthem and Pastor Lueck will throw out a first pitch.  For more information or to buy tickets, contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com

GOOD SHEPHERD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES is this coming Friday, June 15th at 6:30 p.m.  The movie will be: “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME”.  From the New York Times bestseller comes an inspirational true story that “embraces the beauty of the human spirit.”  Successful art dealer Ron Hall (Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear) and his wife Debbie (Academy Award winner Renee Zellweger) seemingly have the perfect life.  But when their faith and family are tested, an unlikely bond with a homeless drifter(Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou) leads them on a remarkable journey that forges an everlasting friendship.  “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME” shows how a simple act of kindness can change everything.  Join us for a great movie, good food and wonderful fellowship on Friday, June 15th at 6:30pm.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The weekend of July 14th and 15th this summer will be a big weekend at Good Shepherd.  On Saturday the 14th, Good Shepherd is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A breakfast will be served in the canteen after your donation.  Then on Sunday the 15th, the Lord’s Day begins with a congregational breakfast in the basement (start time not yet set)We will have one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  Bible Class and Sunday School will follow back inside.  We give the gift of life as the Lord has given us life!  

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19th.  More information to follow.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, is accepting applications for our Lead Teacher in the 3’s classroom for the 2018-2019 school year.  The 3’s class meets 3 days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The teacher will also be required to attend any extra events, for example the Ice Cream Social and Christmas Program.  For more information, please contact Dona Weddle at (309) 452-5609 ext. 3, or e-mail her at: ashiningstart@frontier.com.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Tell Me a Story!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 4:26-34.  Jesus loves to tell us stories.  His stories about the normal things of life, Jesus teaches us about the reign of God in our lives.  This Father’s Day, what makes for a godly father, or mother or Christian?  The willingness to tell our stories.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Dale Meyer.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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Bulletin Announcements

June 3, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”  The chief treasure we have is our faith – our connection to Jesus and all the blessings He bestows upon us: forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit, new desires to follow Him, spiritual growth into His image, etc.  St. Paul says we have these treasures in jars of clay – that is, of ourselves we are still weak, stumbling, and powerless.  The treasure is not us, but what the Lord has graciously given us.  We are vessels for His blessings.  But a treasure horded is a treasure wasted.  How is the Lord calling you to share these and all the treasures He has given you?

NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available.  Please speak with Pastor who has the details.  Thank you. 

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game NEXT SUNDAY, June 10th. Game time is 6:05 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00 per person and will include a reserved box seat and a concession voucher that can be used for a hot dog, small drink and bag of chips.  Good Shepherd’s own Katey Parry will sing the national anthem and Pastor Lueck will throw out a first pitch.  For more information or to buy tickets, contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com

GOOD SHEPHERD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES will be on Friday, June 15th  at 6:30 p.m.  The movie will be: “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME”.  From the New York Times bestseller comes an inspirational true story that “embraces the beauty of the human spirit.”  Successful art dealer Ron Hall (Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear) and his wife Debbie (Academy Award winner Renee Zellweger) seemingly have the perfect life.  But when their faith and family are tested, an unlikely bond with a homeless drifter(Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou) leads them on a remarkable journey that forges an everlasting friendship.  “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME” shows how a simple act of kindness can change everything.  Join us for a great movie, good food and wonderful fellowship on Friday, June 15th at 6:30pm.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The weekend of July 14th and 15th this summer will be a big weekend at Good Shepherd.  On Saturday the 14th, Good Shepherd is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A breakfast will be served in the canteen after your donation.  Then on Sunday the 15th, the Lord’s Day begins with a congregational breakfast in the basement (start time not yet set)We will have one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  Bible Class and Sunday School will follow back inside.  We give the gift of life as the Lord has given us life!  

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19th.  More information to follow.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up.  We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other.  You may also sign-up for both if you wish.  The sign-up is by the door by the north stairwell.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Shining Lights Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, is accepting applications for our Lead Teacher in the 3’s classroom for the 2018-2019 school year.  The 3’s class meets 3 days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The teacher will also be required to attend any extra events, for example the Ice Cream Social and Christmas Program.  For more information, please contact Dona Weddle at (309) 452-5609 ext. 3, or e-mail her at: ashiningstart@frontier.com.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “A Light Momentary Affliction?” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 4:17—5:1.  Paul had his problems.  You’ve never met anyone who didn’t.  And yet, St. Paul called his problems “light” and “momentary”.  Next Sunday’s message deals with the question, “What does Paul know that we don’t?  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  Hear his message on The Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tune in!  You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE:  If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex.  Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org.  Thank you.

PRAYER CHAIN:  If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582.  The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.

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