From: "Todd A. Peperkorn (by way of Rev. Eric J. Stefanski, )" To: Subject: HP: Jubilate BOC Reading Date: Thursday, November 01, 2001 12:54 PM GOD'S WILL IS DONE: We cannot fully see the joy that God has in store for us in Christ Jesus, because the devil still opposes and seeks to destroy the Christian. From the Large Catechism, the Third Petition of the Lord's Prayer: 62] For no one believes how the devil opposes and resists them, and cannot suffer that any one teach or believe aright. And it hurts him beyond measure to suffer his lies and abominations, that have been honored under the most specious pretexts of the divine name, to be exposed, and to be disgraced himself, and, besides, be driven out of the heart, and suffer such a breach to be made in his kingdom. Therefore he chafes and rages as a fierce enemy with all his power and might, and marshals all his subjects, and, in addition, enlists the world and our own flesh as his allies. 63] For our flesh is in itself indolent and inclined to evil, even though we have accepted and believe the Word of God. The world, however, is perverse and wicked; this he incites against us, fans and stirs the fire, that he may hinder and drive us back, cause us to fall, and again bring us under his power. 64] Such is all his will, mind, and thought, for which he strives day and night, and never rests a moment, employing all arts, wiles, ways, and means whichever he can invent. 65] If we would be Christians, therefore, we must surely expect and reckon upon having the devil with all his angels and the world as our enemies who will bring every possible misfortune and grief upon us. For where the Word of God is preached, accepted, or believed, and produces fruit, there the holy cross cannot be wanting. And let no one think that he shall have peace; but he must risk whatever he has upon earth--possessions, honor, house and estate, wife and children, body and life. 66] Now, this hurts our flesh and the old Adam; for the test is to be steadfast and to suffer with patience in whatever way we are assailed, and to let go whatever is taken from us. 67] Hence there is just as great need, as in all the others, that we pray without ceasing: "Dear Father, Thy will be done, not the will of the devil and of our enemies, nor of anything that would persecute and suppress Thy holy Word or hinder Thy kingdom; and grant that we may bear with patience and overcome whatever is to be endured on that account, lest our poor flesh yield or fall away from weakness or sluggishness." All Book of Concord quotations are taken from the Triglotta, copyright 1921 by CPH. It is in public domain. Book of Concord Reading for Jubilate Sunday (3rd Sunday After Easter) John 16:16-22 [Grief into Joy] Rev. Todd A. Peperkorn, Pastor Messiah Lutheran Church 2026 22nd Ave. Kenosha, WI 53140 (262) 551-8182 Church (262) 551-9081 Parsonage ICQ: 41323985 TPeperkorn@worldnet.att.net http://www.yahoogroups.com/community/MessiahNews http://messiah-lcms.gatheringspot.com/ + Historic Preaching + The Historic Preaching list is devoted to preaching on the Propers of the Historic Lectionary as found in The Lutheran Hymnal (TLH) and Service Book and Hymnal (SBH). Subscribe? Send ANY message to: Unsubscribe? Send ANY message to: Respond? Click 'Reply' or write to For further information about this list, contact the list administrator at: Rev. Fr. Eric J. Stefanski or visit our website: + + + + + +