I've had an Epiphany!

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 "All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 28 "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” John 14:23-29 Who loves Jesus?  The one who keeps Jesus’ words (expanded from ...

Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus returned in glory to his Father in heaven. Scripture portrays this return as a triumph. Jesus accomplished perfectly all he came to do. The enemies are defeated. Our redemption is complete. We are victorious. Jesus now rules over all things for the benefit of his people. His ascension also assures us that he will return to earth one day to bring us to himself in eternal glory. That will be the final triumph. Worship with us at the Festival of the Ascension of Our Lord. This is a joint worship service of the Racine WELS churches and Wisconsin Lutheran School. WLS grades 6-8 and the Joint Church Choir will be singing. Worship is at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 5 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Together, through Scripture, song and prayer, God’s people celebrate and live the victory of our ascended Lord.

Christ In Our Home Devotions 6th Sunday of Easter Love for Christ shows itself in obedience 1. Make the sign of the cross over yourself and say: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 2. Pray Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer: I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day. Forgive me all my sins, and graciously keep me this night. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen. 3. Pray the Lord’s Prayer: ...

John 13:31-35 When he was gone, Jesus said,   “Now the Son of Man   is glorified   and God is glorified in him.   32  If God is glorified in him ,   God will glorify the Son in himself,   and will glorify him at once. 33  “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34  “A new command   I give you: Love one another.   As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   35  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” It is Thursday night of Holy Week. Jesus is in the Upper Room with His disciples giving them some last minute instructions before He goes to the cross to die for the sins of the world. As part of those last minute instructions, Jesus teaches them, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Some of ...

Artwork: The Light of the World Artist: William Holman Hunt Date: 1851-53 Worship Theme: In today’s lessons we hear about peace between us and God. How can rebels find peace with their holy Lord and Judge? Not at all by their deserving it, but by his declaring it. God’s peace is so profound, and his willingness to receive us as his children so sincere, that Jesus even assures us that he and his Father will come to us and make their home within us. Old Testament: 2 Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and...

Even though this Sunday’s Gospel took place on Maundy Thursday, it has a clear Easter message.  Jesus talks about the new life that we have in him — a new life of faith and love.  Jesus’ resurrection means new life, given to us through Holy Baptism (Romans 6:4). Jesus talks first about how he is glorified.  “When Judas was gone,” Jesus said that he was glorified “now.”  The betrayal that was about to happen, the arrest, beating and death – Jesus found glory in self-sacrifice.  Then Jesus calls his disciples, including us, “My children.”  Jesus is our father, and we his children find glory as he did: in giving ourselves.  “Love one another.” And as we do this, all people will recognize that we belong to Jesus and to no one else. It’s a “new command,” not something never before spoken (cf. Lev. 9:18), but Jesus “freshened it up.”  “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  When we see the extent of Jesus’ love, we are ins...

Artwork: Jesus Christ Washing His Disciples Feet Artist: Paolo Veronese Date: 1580s Worship Theme: Music from the Masters…Motivational speakers… Chicken Soup for the Soul… People look for a boost from many sources. But one need only look as far as the risen Savior. He inspires us not through soothing songs or moving stories, but through his perfect life and sacrificial death. Our risen Lord energizes us to live lives of love. Old Testament: 1 Samuel 20:12 Then Jonathan said to David: "By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know? 13 But if my father is inclined to harm you, may the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away safely. May the LORD be with you as he has been with my father. 14 But show me unfailing kindness like that of the LORD as long as I live, so that I may not b...

Christ In Our Home Devotions 5th Sunday of Easter Jesus instructs us to love one another 1. Make the sign of the cross over yourself and say: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 2. Pray Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer: I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day. Forgive me all my sins, and graciously keep me this night. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen. 3. Pray the Lord’s Prayer: Our ...