Sermon -- Festival of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (September 21, 2025)

MATTHEW 9:9-13

JESUS SINNERS DOES RECEIVE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Church tradition suggests that St. Matthew served as a pastor in Ethiopia where he was put to death by the king, presumably by a spear.  What was it that moved St. Matthew to preach the word of God so faithfully despite the threat on his life that ended up being fulfilled in his martyrdom?  The short answer is: the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit worked in St. Matthew a firm faith and a courageous confession.  The Holy Spirit also worked through St. Matthew to record the words and works of Jesus Christ.  This makes St. Matthew an evangelist, one of the four Gospel writers.  He was also an apostle, one of twelve called by Jesus.  So, Matthew was an apostle and an evangelist, titles that were only held by him and St. John.

     Matthew’s devotion and courage were produced by the mercy he had been shown by Jesus.  Matthew had been a tax collector.  He had sold himself out to the Roman government to collect taxes and revenue for pagans.  Tax collectors were known for overcharging their fellow Jews to gain wealth for themselves.  It was no secret that they did this, but there was little anyone could do about it.  The Romans did not care, and the people were powerless to prevent it.  Matthew was probably a rich man.  He certainly was despised.  Nevertheless, Jesus did not avoid Matthew as a crook or dismiss him as a lost cause; rather, Jesus called him to a new life.  Jesus saw “Matthew sitting in the tax collector’s booth.  He said to him, ‘Follow me.’  Matthew got up and followed him” (Matthew 9:9).  Matthew was living proof: Jesus sinners does receive.

    In response to God’s mercy, Matthew held a banquet and invited others to hear Jesus.  This resulted in Jesus associating with some unsavory people.  When you hear the reading, you probably find it endearing.  If you had witnessed it, you might have found it repulsive.  Imagine being invited to an LGBTQ luncheon and seeing Jesus there at the head table.  What would you think?  Would you sit down to eat, too?  Would you talk with anyone?  Would you try to keep a low profile and hope that nobody recognized you?  Now, if you felt anything cringe-worthy about those questions, then you agree with the Pharisees who thought it was reprehensible that Jesus would sit with sinners and eat with them.

     Blame Matthew.  Matthew invited Jesus to his house along with his disciples.  He also invited his friends to this banquet so they could meet Jesus and hear him.  Since Matthew had been despised, it is no surprise that his circle of friends was limited to fellow tax collectors and other low-lifes.  Just as Jesus did not steer clear of Matthew, so he did not steer clear of Matthew’s banquet.  “As Jesus was reclining at the table in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were actually there too, eating with Jesus and his disciples” (Matthew 9:10).  Why?  Jesus sinners does receive.

     It is interesting that the Pharisees did not talk to Jesus about why he was doing this.  Instead, they approached his disciples.  “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 9:11)?  It seems that the Pharisees were trying to drive a wedge between Jesus and his disciples.  By confronting the disciples, the Pharisees were forcing them to consider if that is what good people would do.  “What kind of rabbi are you following if this is the kind of company he keeps?”  Maybe they could explain it.  Maybe they would apologize for it.  Maybe they would separate themselves from Jesus and learn to keep polite company so that no one would think less of them.  Jesus sinners does receive, but some sinners are just plain gross, right?

     Jesus interrupted the conversation.  Rather than see how his disciples might answer, Jesus spoke for himself.  “Jesus said to them, ‘The healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.  … In fact, I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners’” (Matthew 9:12-13).  First, we recognize how Jesus referred to the people who were sitting with him.  They were sinners.  They were sick, corrupted in their minds, hearts, and lives.  Jesus was not there to celebrate their sins.   He was there to rescue from their sins and to tell them that there is hope for sinners.  Jesus proclaimed the same mercy to them as he had to Matthew.  Jesus sinners does receive.

     The Pharisees, on the other hand, would not know such mercy.  Jesus issued a subtle rebuke to the Pharisees.  When he said, “I did not come to call the righteous” (Matthew 9:13), Jesus was referring to the Pharisees.  They were convinced that they were righteous.  They would not sully themselves by mingling with the wrong company.  They kept themselves separate, as if that is what made them pure.  Since they considered themselves righteous, they felt they had the right to look down on others and judge them.  If they were righteous, they would not need mercy from Jesus.  And they would not get it either.  Jesus comes only for sinners.

     If you have enjoyed a place in the Christian Church your whole life long, you are greatly blessed.  You have had the benefit and comfort of knowing that the blood of Jesus purifies you of all unrighteousness, and that the mercy of our Lord endures even through days of pain and sorrow.  Even in the darkest of days, you have basked in the light of God’s love and faithfulness.  Imagine going through life with none of that!  You are truly blessed.  But if there is a danger in it, it is that you may conclude the people who live outside of the Christian Church are to be despised because they should know better, or at least avoided until they clean themselves up.  Repent. 

     We have some friends who went hiking in West Virginia some years ago.  They parked at the trailhead and marched off into the woods.  Suddenly, they were lost.  I mean lost for over 24 hours.  They spent the night in the elements with few supplies and no shelter.  Mercifully, they were found.  They went to a hospital for a wellness check and to have some wounds and scrapes tended to.  Sometime later, the son who lived there wanted to show them where they got lost.  It turns out they were very close to their car.  If they knew the way back, they would not have had such a terrifying experience.  But lost is lost. 

     It is the same for many sinners.  Some make wicked choices on purpose.  Some make foolish choices—a moment of weakness followed by long-term consequences, and they are hurting.  Some are just confused, wandering through life without purpose, without direction, and without hope.  But they are all lost.  They need rescue.  It is our Lord who goes to find them.  And he uses you to do it.  Granted, many will seem repulsive to you because their minds and lives are so opposed to God’s word.  But how can anyone be restored to God unless God summons them?  How can the sick become healthy unless they encounter the healing words of God?  How can sinners become righteous unless they are cleansed by the blood of Jesus?  This is why Matthew invited his friends to the banquet with Jesus.  He wanted them to know the same mercy he had received.  The Pharisees, on the other hand, thought it was good and wise and safe to stay insulated in their little circle.  In doing so, they extended mercy to no one. That’s why Jesus told them, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice’” (Matthew 9:13).

     The Lord calls us to show mercy, but he is the one who made the sacrifice to save people from the judgment they deserve.  Jesus did not treat people as their sins deserve.  Jesus, instead, suffered what sinners deserve.  Jesus received the blows, putting himself between God’s wrath and mankind.  Jesus is our refuge.  He is like a castle against which cannon balls are lobbed.  It is the castle which suffers the blows, but the people who take refuge inside of it are safe.  Outside of the castle is only danger and death.  But there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).  In Christ, there is mercy, pardon, and peace. 

     This is why Matthew invited his friends to feast with Jesus.  The only way for anyone to receive Jesus’ mercy is if they hear about it.  That is why we, like St. Matthew, can be bold in telling others about it.  If anyone is going to be raised up from sinners to saint and from wickedness to righteousness, Jesus must do it.  He does not treat us as our sins deserve, but he does not leave us in our sins, either.  He declares us righteous, and he calls us to be righteous.  He restores the prostitutes to chastity.  He converts the foul-mouthed to those who speak better words.  He instructs the liars to be truthful, the self-centered to be generous, and those who prey on the weak to defend them.  Jesus sinners does receive and restore and rectify.  His mercy changes lives.  Jesus reveals the path of righteousness and guides people to a holy life as we look forward to a heavenly life. 

     You may not realize it, but Jesus still eats with sinners.  Sinners gather at the Lord’s altar to feast on the meal he has prepared for us.  He gives his body, slain for sinners, under the bread.  He gives his blood, shed to atone for sinners, under the wine.  He gives this sacred meal to sinners who long to have their sins forgiven, who are eager to have their faith strengthened, and who strive to amend their sinful lives and to live up to what God has called them to be.  Jesus sinners does receive, and feed, and strengthen.  He sets you apart for a more noble and virtuous life.

     Our Gospel reading ends abruptly.  We don’t know what happened to the guests St. Matthew had invited to his house.  Based on the rest of the Gospel, it appears that most Pharisees never did learn the lesson.  But what about the tax collectors and sinners?  It would be nice to think that they all repented and rejoiced in God’s mercy.  But people are people, so their reactions may have varied.  When Jesus noted that he had come for those who were sick, some may have hung their heads in shame and confessed, “Yeah, that’s me.”  Others may have sneered at Jesus and said, “I’m not sick.  My life is fine.”  Who knows?  Maybe Matthew was the only tax collector there who embraced the mercy of our Lord.

     The point is this: We don’t know who will rejoice in Jesus’ mercy, who will prefer to keep their sins, or who will continue to look down on others.  But we do know that all people need to hear about Jesus’ love and mercy.  So, like St. Matthew, we pray that God will give us a firm faith and make us courageous confessors of God’s word.   Like St. Matthew, let’s invite our friends to hear Jesus.  Even if someone’s past is despicable or diabolical, there is good news: Jesus sinners does receive.

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

Minor Festival -- The Festival of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

            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, September 21, we will recognize a minor festival, the Festival of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.

            Matthew, also called Levi (Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32), was a tax collector before Jesus called him to be a disciple and later appointed him to be an apostle.  We know little of Matthew other than his seedy background (tax collectors were often thieves).  Yet, the Lord, who redeemed this wretched sinner, had a special purpose for him.  As an apostle, Matthew devoted his life to proclaiming the good news of forgiveness through Jesus to others.  He was also inspired by the Holy Spirit to record the words and works of Jesus in the gospel that bears his name.  Even tradition is vague on Matthew’s ministry and death, except that he was martyred in some way.  Just as the Lord redeemed this sinner and called him to service, so the Lord does for us sinners as well.

Bible Matters -- Spring Session begins April 23

           Bible Matters is a topical discussion group that enables God’s people to become more comfortable in discussing matters of the Christian faith and more confident in defending the Bible’s teachings.  We encourage open dialogue and welcome bold questions.  All are welcome to consider how God’s word addresses various topics. 

          Sessions will focus on the topic: The Resurrection Accounts in the Gospels.  The resurrection of our Lord is recorded in each of the four Gospels.  Each one gives an account with different details, as each account focuses on different emphases and had different initial audiences.  Each deserves to be considered in its own context.

April 23           According to the Gospel of St. Matthew

April 30           According to the Gospel of St. Mark

May 7              NO CLASS

May 14            According to the Gospel of St. Luke

May 21            According to the Gospel of St. John

May 28            Accounts from Acts and 1 Corinthians.

Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

BIBLE BITS -- Matthew 21

Matthew 21:14 reads, "And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them."  This is a short verse, and it is easy to breeze right past it.

However, a little pondering would have us saying, "Wait a minute.  How could the lame people come to Jesus?  They can't walk.  And how would the blind people come to Jesus?   They can't see him?"

In the case of the blind, I suppose it could be argued that they could hear Jesus preaching.  That's reasonable.   But it does not account for how the lame came to Jesus.

In both cases, I suspect that friends for family brought the blind and the lame to Jesus.  They would be eager for Jesus to provide his healing touch to them, knowing that having sight or strength restored would be a great blessing and make life much easier.

This is almost always the case: Family and friends bring people to Jesus.  It could be parents who bring their baby to the font for baptism.  But fewer people are growing up in homes where church attendance is normal.  More and more, people are growing up without attending church or knowing what the Bible says.  

Therefore, the people who know Jesus and cherish his word are going to be the people who bring their friends and family to church.  Who better knows the peace, the comfort, and the hope of Jesus than those who hear his word?  Especially when we know that there is no salvation outside of Jesus, we will want to bring our family and friends to hear his word and receive his blessings.

Just as the blind could not find their way to Jesus and the lame had no strength to come on their own, so those who are unbelievers have neither insight nor ability to come to Jesus.  They need to be brought.

Dear Father in heaven, make us such good friends and family to our loved ones so that we bring them to their Savior.

BIBLE BITS -- Matthew 19

This post of Bible Bits also serves as a pastoral concern about marriage and divorce.

When the Pharisees came to Jesus to ask about marriage and divorce, Jesus made it clear that divorce was not a part of God's plan.  Moreso, divorce is rebellion against God's plan.  When Jesus declared, "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matthew 19:6), it was not a mere encouragement.  It was divine Law.  It still is divine Law.  Marriage is a gift of God.  Marriage is blessed by God.  Marriage has been established by God to be a life-long union between one man and one woman.  People who dissolve a marriage for any reason rebel against and reject what God has established.  

God has designed marriage to be a great blessing for a man and a woman.  That does not mean it is easy.  Two people, both sinners, often compete with each other for preference, for pride, and for personal interests.  Both can be lazy, selfish, sarcastic, and resentful.  Both husband and wife have goals and can look at the other as a hinderance to those goals.  Such sins make marriage bitter.  

The Pharisees sought a way out of that.  Moses was their out.  “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away" (Matthew 19:7)?  This was a concession, not a command.  A certificate of divorce was only given as a way for a woman to be publicly known as a divorced woman.  It was done only for the sake of order.  The Pharisees seemed to think this was God's stamp of approval on divorce.  But that would be like saying vandalism is okay as long as one pays the fine for it.  A fine is not a fee which grants permission to vandalize.  It is a punishment and a deterrent because vandalism is wicked.

Even the apostles seemed to be alarmed by Jesus' words when he spoke so strongly against divorce.  When they recognized that God offers no escape clause, they said, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”  But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.  For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it” (Matthew 19:10-12).  

Jesus' point about eunuchs is mainly that most people are not designed for a celibate life.  God created us to be sexual beings.  That was established by God's blessings back in the Garden of Eden.  "God said to (Adam and Eve), 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it'" (Genesis 1:28).  Therefore, the sexual drive to reproduce is common to all people.  There are some who do not have a drive and are perfectly content to remain single.  They are the eunuchs Jesus spoke about in the verses above.  This contentment is a gift.  The norm, however, is to be marriage, then sex, then--as God chooses to bless it--children.

The sexual drive God instills in people is properly carried out in marriage.  It is for the mutual benefit of husband and wife who work together for the good of their family.  It is especially good for children to have this father-and-mother care.  Those who chose to act outside of God's design subject themselves hardships that God did not intend.  And God's wrath runs hot against the men who impregnate women, abandon them, and reject any responsibility for their actions.  There is nothing manly about this.  It is selfish and cowardly at the highest level.  If a man is unwilling to bind himself to a woman for life, he should not do it for a night either.  Women, it is for your benefit that God forbids sex before marriage.  You will spare yourself much fear and grief if you refrain from the bed until marriage.

So, why does God make such a big deal about marriage being an unbreakable bond?  Because it is a reflection of Jesus Christ and his Church.  Jesus is fully committed and faithful to his Bride, the Church.  The Church, then, is also to be faithful to her Groom, Jesus.  The Church is by no means the best Jesus can do until he finds a better option.  He does not use the Church for his own selfish gains.  He loves his Church despite its weaknesses and blemishes.  He continually forgives the sins against him.  Jesus gave up everything for the Church so that she can be his for all eternity.  The Church, in turn, recognizes that there is no greater love than what Jesus gives to her.  The Church willingly submits to Jesus Christ for her own blessing and benefit.  Marriage is to be a reflection of that mutual love.

Just as Jesus does not look for ways to get out of his commitment to the Church and just as the Church will find no greater love than in Jesus, neither should husbands or wives flee from their marriage vows.

Yes, marriage can have its challenges.  But there is no greater earthly bond than a husband and wife.  Each serves the good of the other.  Each is to seek the good of the other.  Each should confess their sins against the other so that each can forgive each other and strive for a joyful union.  

Rather than seeking to get out of a marriage, each should be concerned about what he or she is putting into the marriage.  That will result in the blessings God has always intended them to have.

BIBLE BITS -- Matthew 5

There has been a trend of people claiming that Jesus never said he was God.  If you want to find a verse in the Bible where Jesus states, "You know what?  I am God.  For real.  Divine through and through.  The Lord Almighty.  That's ME!", you won't find it.  However, if you consider Jesus' words, they can only be uttered by someone who is God--or by someone who is guilty of rank blasphemy.  The charge of blasphemy was made by Jesus' enemies repeatedly.  So, they understood what Jesus was saying, even if Jesus' enemies today do not.

As one example of Jesus' words being a claim for divinity, consider the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.  Jesus quoted the Law of Moses six times, and each time, Jesus commented on the Law and strengthened it.  He taught that our attitudes and thoughts are just as damning as our actions if they violate the Law of God.  But consider how Jesus made his claims.

"You have heard that it was said..." (verses 21,27,31,33,38,43) and then Jesus quoted the Law.  But he followed up, "But I say to you...." (verses 22,28,32,34,39,44).  What gives Jesus the authority to intensify the Law?  And not only to intensify it, but to base his intensifying on a "because I said so"?  It can only be this: He is God.  

As God, he offers commentary on his own word.  He does not nullify the Law or overturn it.  He restates and reinforces it.  Only God has the authority to do that.  Therefore, by his words, Jesus declares, "I am God."

Sermon -- Festival of St. Matthew, Apostle (September 21, 2014)

MATTHEW 9:9-13

JESUS CALLS SINNERS INTO HIS KINGDOM.

In the name + of Jesus.

     There are four accounts of the life of Jesus in our Bible, and one of them is written by St. Matthew.  We know he was an apostle and an eye witness of Jesus’ resurrection.  We know that he was commissioned to go and preach the gospel wherever he went.  Beyond that, we don’t know much about him.  Even traditions about St. Matthew are not very helpful.

     Prior to becoming one of Jesus’ disciples, Matthew was a tax collector.  Tax collectors had a reputation of being thieving cheats.  They regularly took more money from the citizens than they were supposed to which they pocketed for themselves.  This was not a secret, but there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.  Rome got their taxes, so they did not care.  The Jews got robbed, and they could not stop it.  As a result, tax collectors were generally rich, but also generally despised.

     After Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew hosted a banquet.  He was quick to invite his associates and friends to this feast with Jesus.  Most of Matthew’s dinner guests had the reputation of sinners.  They were branded as sinners rightly; for, their words and actions had proven it. 

     The Pharisees saw Jesus and his disciples among Matthew’s guests, and they were appalled.  Jesus’ attendance there was no act of charity, either.  Jesus was not merely giving up a few hours to spend with the down-trodden after which he would get back to his real concerns.  These sinners were his real concern.  Jesus actually liked being with them, talking with them, and feasting with them.  Jesus actually liked them!  The Pharisees were embarrassed and incensed by it. 

     The Pharisees also seemed to think that Jesus’ disciples should be embarrassed by their master’s actions, too.  Perhaps that is why the Pharisees challenged the disciples instead of speaking to Jesus directly.  The Pharisees said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11)  Perhaps they thought such a question would drive these disciples away from Jesus—that they would be too embarrassed to associate with him if he is going to act like this.  Is this what we are to expect from a Messiah?  Shouldn’t he be shaking these kinds of people off of himself?  Doesn’t he have standards?  Shouldn’t people start living up to those standards before he would sit down with them?  Is this who he is going to associate himself with?  Is this what the kingdom of God is going to look like?

     Jesus did not wait for his disciples to speak for him.  When he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’  For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13)  Among those sinners was Matthew, the tax collector.  Matthew would not only share a table with Jesus, Matthew would be appointed an apostle by Jesus.  Jesus calls sinners into his kingdom.

     But let us consider the questions which went through the minds of the Pharisees, and which still goes through the minds of Christians today.  “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11)  Is this what we are to expect from a Messiah?  Is this what the kingdom of God is going to look like?  And the answer is an unshakable YES!  This Messiah came for sinners, whether their lives have given abundant evidence that they are sinners or not.  Jesus calls sinners into his kingdom.

     The Pharisees took pride in their well-behaved, religious ways.  They wanted a reward for being good men.  They saw Matthew and his friends, and they thought Jesus should be there to unload judgment on them and go away.  Instead, Jesus reclined at their table and spoke kindly to them.  Jesus did not come to rub their faces in their sins, but to deliver them from them.  For it is not judgment that delivers sinners, but mercy.  Jesus called these sinners into his kingdom. 

     Pride is still the problem today.  It can happen one of two ways.  The first way is the pride of the Pharisees.  It is when we hold the attitude that we are better than others, and that is why we have a place in God’s kingdom.  It is a pride that is embarrassed by Jesus’ mercy and suggests to people, “You don’t belong here; not in this kingdom.”  But there is also a perverse pride that is becoming much more common in churches today.  It is usually disguised as being open-minded and tolerant.  It is when we tell people that we will not call anything wicked or sinful because God accepts all people.  This pride encourages the tax collector to remain at his booth and blesses the prostitute at her street corner.  With this pride, we apologize for God’s commandments and celebrate the sinner.  Ironically, with either kind of pride, people are convinced that they are more God’s people than anyone else.  With either kind of pride, people presume to speak and to judge for God.  And with either kind of pride, people end up like the Pharisees, without a seat at the feast and outside the kingdom of God. 

     Jesus calls sinners into his kingdom.  There is no room for any kind of pride for a sinner.  You cannot be proud of despising or belittling other people.  You cannot be proud of judging other people as not worth God’s attention.  You cannot be proud of dismissing God’s commandments because they are unpopular.  You cannot be proud of thinking that God shares your assessment of other people or that you are equal to God in judging them.  These things are not worthy of pride, but of punishment. 

     Nevertheless, Jesus does not cast you off.  He calls you into his kingdom.  That kingdom is ruled above all by divine mercy.  The Savior who told the Pharisees, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:12), supplied both for you.  First, Jesus offered the sacrifice of a perfectly obedient life.  Jesus did not despise people no matter how wretched they were.  Though he never could or did condone man’s wickedness, he did not isolate himself from the wicked.  How could he if he were to dwell on earth at all?  Rather, Jesus found Matthew at his tax collector’s booth.  He did not despise him, but summoned him: “Follow me.” 

     Jesus does not despise you because of a troubled marriage, because of your bitter jealousies, your malicious gossip, or your self-important pride.  Instead, he summons, “Follow me.”  In following Jesus, you find a Savior who answers for your sins with his perfect obedience.  You have not done what God has commanded, but Jesus has.  Jesus found you in your sinful condition and cleansed you at the baptismal font.  He continues to be merciful, granting you pardon for all your sins and preparing a feast for you.  For, Jesus still eats with sinners. 

     Jesus calls sinners into his kingdom.  He says: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” (Matthew 9:12)  Jesus supplies both.  He is the sacrifice which atones for all your pride and all your shame.  Jesus delivers you from all your iniquity.  The title “sinner” no longer sticks.  Jesus says that you are a citizen of the heavenly kingdom and a partaker of the heavenly feast. 

     No longer do we call Matthew the tax collector.  We call him “Apostle,” “Evangelist,” and “Saint.”  That is what Jesus made him because he called this sinner into his kingdom.  You have been granted a new name as well.  God calls sinners into his kingdom, but he no longer calls them sinners.  Now God calls you “saint,” “beloved child,” and “heir of heaven.”  And just as God called Matthew to go out and proclaim this mercy to other sinners, so you are called to go and do likewise.  Do not be afraid of the sinners, but go and be merciful to them as Jesus has been merciful to you.  This is how Jesus delivered you, and it is how he continues to call sinners into his kingdom. 

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