"Called to Teach"

Text: Acts 5:29-42

"To those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:2-3) Amen.

Dear Fellow Teachers:

Yes, teachers – all of us. We are never to lose sight of the fact that our God has called every single Christian to be an educator, an instructor, a mentor, a role model. The moment we allow that fact to slip from our consciousness, that's the moment that we cease to fulfill the very role to which our God has called us.

While our "instructing" will of course take many different forms, our call is to use the Word of God to make others "wise for salvation." This morning we acknowledge in particular that, as with all forms of teaching, our ultimate goal is to eliminate ignorance. While we cannot force saving faith, we do have the power to removed the ignorance concerning Jesus Christ that would, if such ignorance continued, certainly lead to damnation. We "remove ignorance" simply by teaching human souls what their Lord has already done to save them.

To find out in greater detail just what this means, we turn to (and seek to be taught by) our text for this morning – God's Word found recorded in the Fifth Chapter of the Book of Acts:

^NKJ Acts 5:29-42 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. ³¹ "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." ³³ ¶ When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. ³⁴ Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. ³⁵ And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. ³⁶ "For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. ³⁷ "After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. ³⁸ "And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; ³⁹ "but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it -- lest you even be found to fight against God." ⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

These are the verbally inspired words of our God – the very words through which eternal life is both given and sustained. Mindful of the great value of these words from our God, so we petition that same God: “Sanctify us through your truth, O Lord. Your word is truth.” Amen.

Easter is certainly not the sole possession of New Testament Christians alone. We share this great event also with the saints of old – Old Testament believers who lived and died clinging only to the great Promise of a Savior from sin. That promise found its fulfillment in the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. Like us, they too lived out their time of grace on earth patiently, but not idly. They too were teachers, entrusted with passing the torch to each succeeding generation by teaching them about the Promise. Thanks be to God that they did, for by that shared message of the gospel countless souls were saved. And shame on us if this sort of news, the message of souls saved, does not now hold great interest for us. One day this sort of thing will be the only thing that does matter – when all other distractions have melted to non-existence.

As the Old Testament believers were not idle while they waited on their Lord, so also today, as we wait for our Lord's Second Coming, we teach while we wait. How so? What does it mean that we teach? How do we teach? When and where do we teach? What do we teach?

The answer is that we teach with every word that we speak and every action that is seen by others. We teach by the clothes that we wear, the movies that we rent, what we do with the wealth that God gives us, what kind of belongings we accumulate, our level of contentment, what we eat and drink, how much and how often we pray, our general work ethic – every single thing that we do is an instruction to others. In all these ways, and in countless others, we teach.

These things we never want to forget, of course. Yet for the Christian, the day-to-day activities of life do not represent the sum total of all that we are called upon to teach. We are also called to give specific witness of our faith. The Apostle Peter, who is quoted also in our text, wrote in his Epistle of the two parts of our witness in 1 Peter 3:15-16: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." According then to the Apostle Peter, we teach by our conduct, but we are also supposed to be ready to give a defense of our Christian faith.

This is where we sometimes – maybe even most times – run into a problem. Like many other pursuits, teaching tends to get bogged down in complexity and hindered by feelings of inadequacy. We tend to imagine that all teachers at every level have to be experts in all areas of Christian doctrine before they can actually share what they know with others. That's something like requiring a mom to have a PhD in chemistry and molecular biology before she can teacher her daughter how to make pancakes. The basic truths of Christianity are absolutely straightforward. There is not a single person here today, from intermediate Sunday school age on up, who couldn't teach another human being the basic truths of the gospel, and thereby be instrumental in saving a human soul. Think about that for just a minute. Even from early childhood you and I possess both the ability and the opportunity to play a role in the rescue of a human being from the eternal torments of hell. That means that if you can read the words of this sermon, you too can teach someone the simple truth that human beings are not saved by the good that they do, but through faith in the good that Jesus did for them. You can do that!

I can't speak for you, but I know for a fact that a sense of pointlessness and futility will discourage and pacify me faster than any other obstacle – even when it comes to telling someone of their Savior. The moment no one seems to care one bit whether you show up or not, that's the time when you start to contemplate not showing up at all. I recently heard a definition of a professor defined as a person who talks in someone else's sleep. Although intended as light humor, this demonstrates the point well. (That same definition, by the way, is certainly not without application, at times, also in my line of work.)

The point is that apathy drains the life from teachers, and this same sort of thing holds true in connection with our individual Christian teaching or witnessing. As soon as we imagine that no one will ever be saved no matter what we say or do, that's the very moment that Satan has won yet another important battle in our lives.

Yet consider Peter and the other apostles in our text. Just how receptive do you suppose their audience appeared? Remember they were called before the very men who had just condemned to death the Son of God and Savior of the World. What chance did Peter have to convert such men? Yet what did he say? "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." Pure law and gospel: man sinned; Jesus saves.

Simple, but how effective was it? In the short term, apparently not very. Our text goes on: "When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them." In the long run, we don't know – and it really doesn't matter for the purpose of our study this morning. Peter's calling was to teach, not to convert; his job was to eliminate ignorance, not to force a confession and repentance. The latter is the realm and responsibility of God the Holy Spirit. Peter and the other Apostles were called simply to teach, to witness.

So are we to imagine that teaching is seldom, if ever, very effective? Hardly. Peter himself also knew success. After his Pentecost sermon, over 3000 souls were baptized. One sermon, 3000 souls rescued from hell. With just words.

Looking back at the event described in our text, we see that there was also another teacher present that day, wasn't there? Gamaliel – from all accounts one of the greatest teachers of that era. Gamaliel also taught on that day, and his sound, wise instruction is credited with saving the lives of God's Apostles. Gamaliel also taught another student, Saul – later known as Paul. The fact is we will never know, this side of heaven, just what affect Peter's testimony had on the individuals who heard his teaching.

The simple, bottom-line message this morning is that no one should leave this place without a renewed appreciation for their calling as teachers. Your tools are words. Just words. Yet those words can and do rescue souls on a daily basis. The Bible warns that in the last days the hearts of many will grow cold and indifferent. Recognize the danger – in yourself and in others – and then may God grant us the vision to see the present as we will one day see if from eternity. From that perspective nothing in this life will matter except that which has to do with our Savior Jesus and faith in the forgiveness that he has won for us.

How do we now carry out this great work? As Peter taught the people of his day with clear and direct law and gospel, so too you and I could not possibly improve on this model. Not everyone will hear and turn. That is neither our responsibility nor, in the end, our burden. What is my burden is to make sure that I do not allow even one friend or loved one in my circle of life to continue in sin simply because he or she is ignorant – having never heard the word and will of the Creator-God. It is my burden not to allow even one soul to perish eternally in a state of ignorance that I could easily dispel with the clear and simple message of forgiveness of sins by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Is such work pointless, worthless, meaningless? Obviously you know the answer, but ask yourself the question this way: Was it pointless or meaningless to you when someone brought you the message of life? Was it worth the time of the one who once eliminated your ignorance by sharing with you the life-giving message of truth in Christ your Lord? It is no less important that we struggle day by day to eliminate the damning ignorance that we encounter every day in souls for whom Jesus also died. God grant us such a love for our fellow human beings, as well as a clear and abiding appreciation of the incomparable value of our calling and purpose. Amen.

Scripture Readings and Sunday Bulletin for March 30, 2008

^NKJ 1 John 5:1-5 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. ² By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. ³ For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. ⁴ For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. ⁵ Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

^NKJ John 20:19-28 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." ²⁰ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹ So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." ²² And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." ²⁴ ¶ Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." ²⁶ ¶ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" ²⁷ Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." ²⁸ And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

^NKJ Acts 5:29-42 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. ³¹ "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." ³³ ¶ When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. ³⁴ Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. ³⁵ And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. ³⁶ "For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. ³⁷ "After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. ³⁸ "And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; ³⁹ "but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it -- lest you even be found to fight against God." ⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

ST. PAUL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

2510 E. Divide Ave.

Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 223-4885 Cell: (701) 425-5483

Website – www.bismarcklutheran.org

Mr. Mark Johnson, President (222-1855) Mrs. Eileen McEnroe, Organist

Michael Roehl, Pastor

The Sunday after Easter – March 30, 2008

The Opening Prayer by the Pastor

The Opening Hymn ‑#210- (Red Hymnal)

"The Strife Is O'er, the Battle Done"

The Order of Service – Supplement page 12ff. (Brown Hymnal)

The Scripture Lessons: (Printed on the back page of this bulletin)

The Epistle Lesson: (1 John 5:1-5) By his death and resurrection, our Savior freed us not only from the threat of eternal damnation, but also from the chains of sin. Having created that New Man in us at the moment of our conversion, now no longer are his commands burdensome to us – they are the delight of our lives. God grant us the grace to walk the way of his commands with joy.

Psalm 121 (Supplement page 42) (Brown Hymnal)

The Gospel Lesson: (John 20:19-28) Christ appeared to many different witnesses on many different occasions following his resurrection. We read of several such appearances here. Most notably we are reminded here that seeing cannot be believing for Christians today. We accept our Lord's resurrection by faith. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

The Confession of Faith ‑

The Apostolic Creed – page 15. (Brown Hymnal)

The Pre-Sermon Hymn ‑#208- (Verses 1-3, 8-10) (Red Hymnal)

"Ye Sons and Daughters of the King"

The Sermon – Text: Acts 5:29-42

"Born To Teach"

The Offertory – (Supplement page 16 insert)

The Post-Sermon Hymn -#192- (Verses 1-4) (Red Hymnal)

"Awake My Heart with Gladness"

The Offering

The Prayers of the Day followed by the Lord's Prayer

The Benediction

The Closing Hymn -#192- (Verses 6 & 8) (Red Hymnal)

"Awake My Heart with Gladness"

Silent Prayer

Attendance ‑ Last Sunday (68) 2008 Average (50)

This Week at St. Paul:

Today -10:00 a.m. – Worship Service

-11:00 a.m. – Fellowship Hour

Mon - Thurs -CLC Board Meetings in Eau Claire

Next Sunday -8:45 a.m. – Sunday School and Bible Class

-10:00 a.m. – Worship Service

-11:00 a.m. – Fellowship Hour

CLC News – We have received word that Pastor Thomas Schuetze is making dramatic progress and may soon be released from the hospital to continue his recovery at home. Thanks be to God.

The various Boards meet this week in Eau Claire, followed by the CLC Coordinating Council. The Coordinating Council is comprised of members of the various Boards, and is entrusted with conducting the business of the CLC between conventions. The Call Committee on Graduates is also scheduled to meet to assign teacher and pastor graduates, should any calls be available.

Pastor Out of Town – The Pastor is scheduled to attend the meetings in Eau Claire this week, returning Thursday night. Please call the parsonage for contact information, or try the cell phone number: (701) 425-5483.

Greeters – Please consider signing up for Sunday Greeter duty. The sign-up sheet can be found on the entry table.

Direct Contribution Sheets – Those who are interested are invited to sign up for the new direct contribution program here at St. Paul. Questions can be addressed to the Pastor or to any Council member – especially Financial Secretary Gary Miller, who is in charge of implementing the program. As it will take several weeks to fully implement the program, please continue regular contributions until notified that the direct contribution system is in place.

Delegate Conference and Convention Volunteers – St. Paul is in need of volunteers to represent our congregation at the Watertown Conference (May 27-29) and at the CLC Convention in Eau Claire (June 16-20).