032507 Living Word

Living Word – Living People

1 Thessalonians 2:13

13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

LIVING WORD

It was with great joy that we at Trinity saw the beginning of a new congregation called “Living Word Lutheran Church.” And at the same time it provoked some sadness because you had gone out from Trinity. But now, our sadness has turned to joy as you become a full participant in the LCMS Michigan District as a constituted congregation.

I think your formation just goes to show how good our God is. What I mean is this: Whatever happens among God’s people always has a divine purpose guiding it. And that is such a good thing. Paul speaks of this in Romans 8:28 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. And this is why “we also thank God constantly” for you!

Going through various struggles that are common among the faithful is a chastening, cleansing and strengthening time for God’s people. It’s not pleasant to go through, but it sure is helpful in getting us to rest our hope squarely on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It helps us to trust the Word God has given to us in written form.

That word according to Hebrews 4:12 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It is this Word that animates the soul and makes a people of God. Romans 10:17 says: 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. And it is precisely here that we also thank God … that when you received the word of God, … you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God. It is this Word of God that has worked to bring you together in worshipping community under the name “Living Word Lutheran Church.” May God be praised!

Someone has said that each Christian congregation has a distinct personality all their own. I believe that is true—but only in part. What I do not believe is that each congregation has a separate identity with respect to God. That would run contrary to Jesus’ words when He prays in John 17:21 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. What I am trying to say is that our joy, my joy, regarding you is to know that we are truly one in Christ, not separate—not in opposition to each other, but one with each. If only the world as a whole believed … but then, that is why you are here today, isn’t it. God has placed Living Word Lutheran Church here in Lansing to proclaim the “Living and active Word” of God to those who do not yet know Jesus as Savior and Lord. God be praised!

In this endeavor, we share a lot in common. Some things good! But others—well, not so good! You see, we all have a sinful human nature that keeps us from always doing what is good and pleasing to God. All too often that sinful nature seems to overwhelm the new nature that is created to be like Christ. If we listen to James—as we should—it is easy to see how our own sinful desires lead us into fights and quarrels and divisions. But thanks be to God, we do not need to stay stuck there.

You see, the Word of God that is living and active works in all of God’s children to move them beyond the hurts and struggles that are common to Christian life. It moves them to know God better and to see His work in others—and that produces a most wonderful joy of heart. The Living Word makes us who we are—called, forgiven, and justified before God. It will also make those who hear it what they are, in Christ—alive with respect to God. So, I think the name “Living Word” is very appropriate for this new congregation.

LIVING PEOPLE

The “Living Word” makes “Living People.” Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

What I think is great about this is that God Himself decided to change our status from sinner to Saint. And this He Himself determined from eternity—in Christ! What a gift we have been given—eternal, and kept safe in the heavenly places! We don’t deserve it. We didn’t earn it. God did, through the person and work of His own Son Jesus Christ! So, Living People live in Christ! God is so good!

So what is it that God has called you His people of Living Word Lutheran Church to do? I mean, most of you have come here to Lansing from other parts of the world. You are here because God’s plan was to move you here. In that we rejoice! But why? Why would he bring you together in a place like Lansing, Michigan, of the United States of America?

Perhaps the immediate thought would be that you are here to get a fresh start at life. If so, God be praised! Perhaps you are here because you were forced from your native land by warfare and persecution. If so, God be praised! No matter what was behind your coming to Lansing, God was with you to gather you at this time and in this place for His purposes.

Today you celebrate being constituted as a congregation called Living Word Lutheran Church. Every gathering of God’s people must be guided by some form of administrative procedure. That is what your constitution is for. But the constitution does not have the power to give life. No, it doesn’t, but you do! You do because Life has been given to you. That life I speak of is of course Christ. And that is why God has called you together here in Lansing, Michigan. There are many more people—some like yourselves—some not, but they all need what you have been given in Jesus Christ—new life.

I don’t believe there is any higher calling of humanity than to be the bearers of life to a dead and dying world of unbelief. And this we know you are able to do because of who you are—in Christ. And for that very reason “we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, [that apostolic word], you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. Amen.