YouTube -- Festival of St. James of Jerusalem (October 23, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, October 23, 2022.

Sermon -- Festival of St. James of Jerusalem (October 23, 2022)

The Council of Jerusalem (50 AD)                    

ACTS 15:12-22a

COMPROMISING FOR THE SAKE OF LOVE,

UNCOMPROMISING FOR THE SAKE OF FAITHFULNESS.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Christians have always struggled with determining how to worship the Lord.  In Reformation times, there was confusion about what could be retained in the church and what had to go.  The Lutherans had identified abuses in the Roman Catholic Church and took pains to correct them.  (Examples are found in the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, Articles 22-28 -- https://bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/ .)  But there were still debates.  What is mandatory?  What is permissible?  What is forbidden?  What ceremonies are wise and beneficial, and what ceremonies make a poor or confusing confession?  Where can we compromise and where must we not?

     People approached this from two different angles.  Lutherans said, “If a tradition has been practiced in the Church and Scripture does not forbid it, we can make use of it with thanksgiving.”  Other Protestants said, “If Scripture does not command its use, we dare not use it.  It is forbidden.”  For example, Scripture says nothing about making the sign of the cross on oneself.  So, is it to be practiced or not?  Lutherans say we are free to do it.  In fact, the Small Catechism encourages it.  Since Scripture does not command it, Protestants do not cross themselves.  Some find it repulsive.

     The principle is simple: Where Scripture is silent, we are free.  However, that freedom is shaped by love for other people.  We never want to use our freedom to drive someone away from Jesus Christ or to make a poor confession.  While we may be free to do something, it may not be wise or loving to do it.  We compromise for the sake of love, but we will be uncompromising for the sake of faithfulness.

     The early Christian Church was embroiled in a similar debate.  The first decades of the Christian Church had a strong Jewish flavor to it.  The first Christians, the apostles, and Jesus himself were all Jewish.  The only sacred writings were the Old Testament.  For centuries, God’s people were directed by the ceremonial laws in Leviticus which included such matters as dietary laws and circumcision.  These laws had guided their lives and had become a part of the culture.  The Jews accepted this to be fact: To be God’s people was to be Jewish. 

     But as the word of God spread rapidly, Gentiles were being added to the Church.  They had never practiced circumcision or observed kosher laws.  Now came the struggle: How do people worship and serve the Lord?  To put it another way: How Jewish were Christians supposed to be? 

     To settle the matter, leaders from the early Christian Church gathered in Jerusalem.  The leader of this council was James, the brother of our Lord.  He presided as the bishop over the entire church and moderated the debate which gave direction to the church of God.  Although he was not an apostle, James of Jerusalem was recognized as a man with discernment.  He saw where compromises could be made and where they could not.  Compromise would be done for the sake of love, but the Church would remain uncompromising for the sake of faithfulness.

     Where does one turn to determine where compromises can be made and where we must remain uncompromising?  To the Scriptures.  Where else?  Just as Paul and Barnabas testified, James of Jerusalem acknowledged that the Gentiles had always been in God’s plans.  He declared: “With this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David … that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name…’” (Acts 15:15-17). 

     The Church was increasing with people who had never observed the ceremonial laws in Leviticus.  The question remained: Did they need to?  For the sake of faithfulness to God’s word, everyone would remain uncompromising, but for the sake of love, the Gentiles were asked to make some compromises.  James rendered this judgment: “We should write to (the Gentiles) to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.  For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues” (Acts 15:20-21).  These ceremonial things had been so ingrained in the minds of the Jewish Christians that it would cause friction among the Christians if the Gentiles were to do them. 

     Over the course of time, most of these admonitions went away.  Most had to do with laws that were put in place to point people to the Messiah’s coming.  But since the Messiah had come, the ceremonial laws were no longer mandatory.  For the Jews, they were still permissible, and that for the sake of culture, not for salvation.  The Gentiles were asked to be sympathetic to Jewish sensitivities for the sake of love.  The admonition against sexual immorality, however, stands since that is the 6^th Commandment.  On that point, we are still uncompromising for the sake of faithfulness.

     Now, what does all this have to do with us?  Because we are still sinners who have been brought into God’s Church.  We are supposed to be united to one another and to seek each other’s good.  But we also come with different ideas, opinions, and personal practices.  We can confuse a cultural tradition with our religion.  Don’t think so?  What if we don’t put up a Christmas tree in church this year?  Our ideas, opinions, and practices also come with self-centeredness.  We want our own way.  We expect others to agree with us and honor us for our ideas.  We get angry when we don’t get it because pride makes no compromises.  It demands others yield, and it often causes a fracture in the church.

     But this is not how you have come to know Jesus Christ, and it is not how you have received a place in his church.  In regard to his word, the Lord is uncompromising.  He does not edit or alter his word for anyone.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but the word of the Lord will never pass away.  That word shows us what is good and right, but it also exposes that we are not.  The word shows us what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves, but it also shows that we have not done that.  Love will compromise on opinions and say, “This is not that big a deal.”  Pride will angrily insist, “I must explain to everyone just how stupid this guy is.”  The word of God exposes us.  We are full of pride, full of ourselves, and full of sin.  God’s word condemns us for this.  God does not apologize for this.  He can’t because he is uncompromising on what is true and good and right.  Rather, he calls us to repent.

     But God is also uncompromising in his love and his faithfulness.  He promised to rebuild the tent of David, that is, to restore a remnant of Israel to himself.  He would not compromise on this promise, even swearing on oath that he would do it.  In addition, he swore that he would rescue Gentiles from their darkened minds and prideful hearts, and enlighten them to know God’s grace.  The Lord was uncompromising in this salvation, so he sent his Son to be one to accomplish that. 

     Jesus was uncompromising in his willing obedience to his Father.  The Father sent his Son to be the sacrifice which atones for your sin; for sin cannot go unpunished.  In uncompromising obedience to his Father, Jesus was slain on behalf of sinners.  Jesus is the way into the presence of the Father.  Since you were baptized into his name, you have the righteousness you need wrapped around you and you have the sin which would condemn you removed.  The Lord has promised that whoever believes in Jesus for this salvation and is baptized into his name shall be saved.  God is uncompromising in his faithfulness to that promise.  He is uncompromising in his love for you.

     You do not have to strike any bargain with God about your place in his kingdom.  It has been secured.  You do not need to negotiate with God over the sins which haunt you.  They are forgiven.  You do not have to pledge your faithfulness to God so that he will match it.  Jesus lives to intercede for us, and his blood continues to mark us as God’s people.  God remains faithful even when we fail.

     James of Jerusalem recognized that both Jews and Gentiles in the church were redeemed children of God.  His judgment was determined to see all these people live in harmony with each other.  Their backgrounds and customs may have been confusing and even repulsive to each other.  But their unity was not based on culture; it was based on Christ.  Each would seek the good of the other.  So, the Church pleaded with the Gentiles to compromise for the sake of love: “Please avoid the things which the Jews cannot do in good conscience, even though the ceremonial laws are no longer in effect.”  The Jews, on the other hand, should recognize that their customs were not commandments.  Lack of circumcision was not lack of faith in Jesus Christ. 

     We still strive to make such compromises for the sake of love.  We can learn to appreciate people from another culture and honor them even if we would have to forgo something we are fond of.  If we had Muslims joining us, we might suspend ham and bacon from our Easter breakfast.  Bacon is good, but the kingdom of God is not about bacon.  It is a small concession for the sake of love for others.  If someone from another Christian background comes and genuflects before sitting down, we will respect their act of reverence.  Who knows?  That person may be offended that you don’t.  For the sake of love, each is free to observe his own custom.  Differences in ceremony are not always differences in faith.

     Where God’s word allows for freedom, we can be compromising for the sake of love.  James of Jerusalem sought that all Christians would maintain their harmony.  Love will compromise on opinions.  This is how Spartans and Wolverines can get along, and Republicans and Democrats, and carnivores and vegans.  These things don’t save, and our unity does not come from them.  We are united on God’s word.  Where the Lord has spoken, we must be uncompromising for the sake of faithfulness.  The Commandments of God direct us to a good and godly life.  The promises of God assure us of a blessed salvation.  Our hope and salvation depend upon God.  Therefore, we cling to his word and do not budge an inch.  If God’s word can be compromised, his love and forgiveness can be, too.  God forbid those would ever be left to doubt!  But they are not.  God is uncompromising in his word, and therefore his love and his faithfulness endure forever.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Minor Festival -- St. James of Jerusalem

               Lutheran worship is liturgical.  While that often refers to an order of worship, it can also refer to the calendar of the Church Year.  The Church Year includes major festivals, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, etc...  On Sunday, October 23, we will observe a minor festival, the Festival of St. James of Jerusalem.

               Though not one of the Twelve Apostle, St. James of Jerusalem was the recognized leader of the Christian Church in Jerusalem.  Known also as the brother of our Lord (Galatians 1:19), James was the author of the epistle of James.  James was considered a pillar of the early Christian Church (Galatians 2:9) and presided over a Church Council in Jerusalem which acknowledged that Gentiles too have a place in God’s kingdom (Acts 15).  Tradition teaches that James served his entire life in Jerusalem, finally being martyred about 62 AD by the High Priest Annas II.  James was reported to have been thrown to his death from the pinnacle of the temple, stoned to death, or both.

Sermon -- Festival of St. James of Jerusalem (October 23, 2020)

This was preached for chapel at Huron Valley Lutheran High School of Westland, Michigan.

JAMES 1:1-12

JAMES WANTS GOD'S PEOPLE TO BE GODLY PEOPLE.

In the name + of Jesus.

      If St. James of Jerusalem should be remembered for anything, it is that he was a pastor who encouraged godly living.  We assume the epistle of James was written by James of Jerusalem.  Some suggest it was written by James the Less, but its emphasis certainly is consistent with what we know about St. James of Jerusalem.  We also know of James from Acts 15.  There, he presided over the Church at a great council.  In the Council of Jerusalem, James guided the discussion which debated how much the Church was to reflect Jewish customs.  In other words, how Jewish should the Church be?  The Council of Jerusalem concluded with instruction to the Gentile Christians about how to live in a way that honors God and maintains harmony among the Jewish Christians.  The point, of course, is not that one is saved by his ethnic heritage, any more than being Lutheran means being German.  It is about God's people being godly people.

     That is the emphasis of his epistle.  James wants God's people to be godly people.  He does not spend any time speaking about how we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ.  James assumes you already know that.  You are God's people and you are confident in God's promises.  Therefore, he jumps right to instruction and encouragement.  James wants God's people to be godly people.

     Giving instruction is easy.  Following that instruction is hard.  And living in a world that resists and ridicules godly living makes it all the harder.  James knows that, and he is aware you will face that.  Therefore, he encourages you, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)  

     You would think that godly living would be easy for God's people.  But we are always fighting against something.  We fight against the temptations that the devil lays before us.  He always makes wickedness look attractive.  We fight against the world which tells us that we are cool only when we adopt sinful choices.  And we also fight against our own sinful desires which always wants to take what God has chosen not to give us.  Every day is a battle with trials of many kinds and tests which can prove to be very hard.

     James knows that you have faced this and will continue to face this.  You might think that it will calm down when you get older.  It doesn't.  You need to be aware of that, but you don't need to be alarmed by it.  In fact, James says, “Consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2)  Why?  Because “the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:3)  Believe it or not, the temptations you face and the trials you endure can serve a good purpose for you.  As St. James wrote, they produce perseverance.  Or, in other words, they teach God's people to be more committed to being godly people and to be more confirmed in godly living.

     Let's compare it to athletic competition.  You know how to play soccer.  You have seen footage of professionals play soccer.  You are aware of the rules and the goal of the game.  You understand strategies which are supposed to help you succeed.  You know all of this in your head.  How many games have you won daydreaming about soccer?  Probably all of them.  But it is different when you actually step onto the pitch.  It is a lot harder when you are facing real opponents, especially if those opponents are experienced players, are skilled in their game plan, and are well-conditioned.  You will only improve as a soccer player and as a soccer team if you put in the work.  The work is not always fun.  If it is actually to improve you as a soccer player, it will not be easy, either.  But continual training will make you better.

     Therefore, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)  When you are challenged in your faith, you are forced to acknowledge that you have not mastered everything.  First, you must flee back to Jesus for mercy and forgiveness.  For, we often fall into temptation when it seduces us.  But the blood of Jesus continues to mark you as God's people.  Then listen

to Jesus for strength and encouragement.  By his word, Jesus continues to sustain you in the faith so that you remember why you are God's people.  By his word, Jesus strengthens you in the faith so that you remain committed to being godly people.  

     The trials you face and the challenges you endure can serve a good purpose: They force you back to God's promises.  “Why do I believe what I believe?  Why do I confess this hope that others don't care about?  Why do I trust the Scriptures when others tell me that they are untrustworthy?”  Flee to the Scriptures; they are not weak on answers.  “Why do I maintain a godly life when my friends don't and mock me that I do?  What reason do I have to be steadfast in the faith?”  Oh, yes, because I have a Father who is merciful and loves me, because Jesus gives me a refuge in death, because the Holy Spirit gives me a purpose in life, because I have a Savior who has set me free from shame and guilt, and because I am a baptized child of God.  By continuing to listen to God's word, by participating in holy communion with Christ, and by continuing in the fellowship with other Christians, you will persevere.  James wants God's people to be godly people, and this is how our Lord maintains both.

     “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)  This is James' prayer for you.  This is God's promise to you.  This is the Holy Spirit's work in you.  This is our eternal hope, and it is why God's people want to be godly people.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

St. James of Jerusalem

Lutheran worship is liturgical.  While that often refers to an order of worship, it can also refer to the calendar of the Church Year.  The Church Year includes major festivals, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, etc...  Today we recognize a minor festival, the Festival of St. James of Jerusalem.

Though not one of the Twelve Apostle, St. James of Jerusalem was the recognized leader of the Christian Church in Jerusalem.  Known also as the brother of our Lord (Galatians 1:19), James was presumably the author of the epistle of James.  James was considered a pillar of the early Christian Church (Galatians 2:9) and presided over a Church Council in Jerusalem which acknowledged that Gentiles too have a place in God’s kingdom (Acts 15).  Tradition teaches that James served his entire life in Jerusalem, finally being martyred about 62 AD by the High Priest Annas II.  James was reported to have been thrown to his death from the pinnacle of the temple, stoned to death, or both.