2016 Spring - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

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Come, Lord Jesus!

A Special Topical Issue:

The End Times • The Bridegroom and His Bride • Jesus: The Grave’s Sheol • Teach Us to Number Our Days • New Heavens, New Earth

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Contents T A B L E O F

Volume 16/Number 1 • Spring 2016

HigherThings

®

Volume 16/Number 1/Spring 2016 Bible Studies for these articles can be found at: higherthings.org/ magazine/biblestudies.html

The End Times. The Last Day. Judgment Day.

The Second (Final) Coming of Christ. These are all words and phrases that describe the subject of “eschatology,” that is the study of the “end times.” Forty days after His death and resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father. The church awaits His final return when He comes again in His glory.

Until that time, Christians live and die in Jesus and Jesus still comes to us through the ministry of the Gospel and Sacraments.

Christians live in Jesus with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. In this issue of Higher Things Magazine, we’ll hear the Good News of Christ being present with us in life and in death and in the world to come. We’ll explore all sorts of topics related to eschatology and answer many questions that Christians often have about death.

Christ is risen! You will rise, too! Seeing how that all fits together now and through death and the end times into eternal life is what this issue of Higher Things Magazine is all about.

Editor

Katie Hill Art Director

Steve BlaKey Editorial Associates

Rev. GReG almS Rev. Paul BeiSel Rev. BaRt Day Rev. Gaven mize Rev. DR. mattHew RicHaRD Copy Editor

Dana niemi Bible Study Authors

Rev. maRK Buetow Rev. JacoB eHRHaRD Rev. Samuel ScHulDHeiSz Subscriptions Manager

elizaBetH caRlSon IT Assistant

Jon KoHlmeieR ___________

Board of Directors President

Rev. GeoRGe BoRGHaRDt

Special Features 4

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The Bridegroom and His Bride

Rev. George F. Borghardt Rev. Borghardt poignantly illustrates how marriage is a picture of Christ and His Bride, the church and how, on the Last Day, we will finally see ourselves as He does now: pure, blameless and forgiven.

Judgment Day: You’re Ready!

By Rev. Aaron T. Fenker Are you prepared for Judgment Day? That’s the wrong question to ask, according to Rev. Fenker. Find out why Judgment Day is nothing we need to fear.

If You Love the End Times So Much Why Don’t You Marry It?

By Rev. Gaven M. Mize Rev. Mize zeroes in on the blessed gifts of the Sacraments and the Liturgy that sustain us until the end of all things… until we, the church, the Bride of Christ, set our eyes on Jesus, our Bridegroom.

10 The End Times: Still All About Jesus

By Katie Hill What does the Bible really have to say about the end times and what are the keys that help us unlock that knowledge?

No, it doesn’t require a decoder ring or some other gadget… just some basic principles, as Katie explains.

12 Millennialitis and Its Rapture Fever

By Rev. Brent W. Kuhlman No need to look at WebMD to see if you suffer from this disease. Just read through Rev. Kuhlman’s article and get the facts and the cure.

14 The Narnian Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse

By Rev. Samuel P. Schuldheisz Rev. Schuldheisz takes us through a magical tour of The Last Battle, bringing courage and comfort for the End Times along the way.

Vice-President

18 Jesus: The Grave’s Sheol

By Rev. Donavon Riley Rev. Riley shines the bright light of Christ onto that rather dark and mysterious word we see in the Scriptures: Sheol.

20 Teach Us to Number Our Days

By Rev. Joel Fritsche What happens when we die? How are we supposed to truly live when we know the Grim Reaper stands ready to pounce?

Rev. Fritsche reminds us that in Christ, we live in the light of our new life in Him.

22 New Heavens. New Earth

By Rev. Mark Buetow Eternal life isn’t a floaty existence in a bland whiteness.

Instead, Rev. Beutow declares, we’ll be face to face with a flesh and blood Savior, including scars, and live in a paradise that we can tangibly experience and enjoy forever.

Regular Features

28 Catechism: The Fifth Commandment: The Gift of Life

By Rev. William M. Cwirla Rev. Cwirla makes it clear that what makes this commandment so compelling is that it is undergirded by a love for life and a need to preserve it in every sense because that is what Jesus has done for us.

30 Bible Study: New Heavens. New Earth.

Be sure to check out this sample of one of our student Bible studies which links up with Rev. Buetow’s article on P. 22.

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connie BRammeieR Technology Executive

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The

Bridegroom His Bride

and

By Rev. George F. Borghardt

She’s absolutely beautiful to Him—

the most beautiful woman in all of creation. She’s perfect in every way: no spots, no wrinkles, no blemishes. There isn’t a single flaw with her. He sees none.

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She is His Bride. He is her Bridegroom. He loves her. She is loved

by Him. He does all that He does for her. She receives His love and loves Him in return.

He lives for her—completely, totally, and perfectly. Everything He does, He does for her good. He is perfect and counts that righteousness as hers. He is without sin and takes her sins upon Himself.

He doesn’t just love her with words. He loves her with actions. He takes the punishment she deserved before God. He is beaten for her faults.

He loves her in the giving up of His life for her. He dies. She lives forever.

He left His mother and Father to save her—completely and totally.

He rescues her from all that she’s ever done wrong. He washes her. He forgives her. He nourishes her: His Body to eat and His Blood to drink for the forgiveness of her sins.

In Him, she is a great wonder in heaven. Her wedding dress isn’t just white, she’s “...clothed with the sun, and the moon itself is under her feet” (Revelation 12:1). She shines with the brightness of His light.

He is holy. She is holy in Him. She is perfect. She is forgiven in the blood and water flowing from His pierced side.

The Bride wasn’t always this way.

She wasn’t just unfaithful to Him, she was promiscuous. She tried out other bridegrooms. She adorned herself for

them instead of for Him. She listened to their whispers about how she could fix things herself, believe in herself, just stay positive and everything would be okay.

The more she ran from Him, the more scandalous she became. No amount of makeup or cream could cover her blemishes. Her outside began to match her insides: trampy and evil.

And yet He still saved her. He washed her. He forgave her. He fed her. He would be her Bridegroom, she would be His Bride. He would hear none of her objections.

She struggled. She fought. Satan chased her—he always chased her.

She couldn’t be free from his constant attempts to seduce her and drag her into the death and hell that God made for him, but not for her.

Her Bridegroom calls her holy.

She looks at herself and sees only her sin. He calls her His beloved. She sees only her unfaithfulness. He calls her perfect. She sees only her flaws, mistakes, and bad decisions.

On the Last Day, all that happened on their Wedding Day—all that was finally finished on Good Friday—will be shown to have been true for her all along. She has been made holy and pure by the scars on His hands and side. And she will see Him, shining bright in all the glory and light of her gracious Bridegroom God. Today…she struggles. On the

Last Day she will not, ever again. On that Day, He will come for Her. He will rescue her. He will save her from all her enemies, for she has overcome her enemies in the blood of the Lamb and in the Word of all that her Bridegroom did for her.

Jesus is that Bridegroom. The church is His Bride. She isn’t going to be holy only on the Last Day. She is holy today. She isn’t going to be spotless only in eternal life. She is perfect, right now, in His Blood and Body and water and Word. The Last Day isn’t when she becomes what she is. She already is what He finished for her. The Last Day is when she sees the full reality of all that He promised.

The church is beautiful to Jesus— the most beautiful woman in all of creation. She’s perfect in every way to Him: no spots, no wrinkles, no blemishes. There isn’t a fault with her.

He sees none. She’s perfect in every way to Him. It will be true on the Last Day. And it is true, now, by faith in the Bridegroom.

God has called you out of darkness Into His most marv’lous light; Brought His truth to life within you, Turned your blindness into sight.

Let your light so shine around you That God’s name is glorified And all find fresh hope and purpose In Christ Jesus crucified. (LSB 646:2) Rev. George F. Borghardt is the Senior Pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in McHenry, Illinios. He also serves as the president of Higher Things.

Albrecht Durer, Scene from the Apocalypse, The woman clothed with the sun and the seven-headed dragon, 1496.

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Hans HansMemling, Memling,Last Last Judgement, Judgement, latelate 1460s, 1460s, National National Museum, Museum, Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland Poland

Judgment day:

You’re Ready ByRev. Rev.Aaron AaronT.Fenker By Fenker

Judgment DAY day is coming. It is! You can’t escape it.

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What everwill willyou you One day it will be here, and then what? Whatever do? What will you hear? How can you stand? What will the Judge say when you stand before Him on that day? You know, don’t you? What you’ve done, haven’t done; said, haven’t said; even what you’ve thought. All of it condemns you. There’s no escaping it. There’s no putting your head in likeif there’s no Last if notifthinking about the sand as there were no Day—as Last Day—as not thinking it means it won’tit come. it will. inevitable. about it means won’t But come.

But It’s it will.

It’s inevitable.

Yes, there is a Last Day—a day when not all good things come to an end, but a day when all evil, wicked, and sinful things, and when all sinners will come to an end. That end is the second death—eternity in hell. When will that day be?

“Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

(Mark 13:32 NKJV) So what will you do? How can you prepare for something that’s coming at an unknown time—a time even Jesus doesn’t know?

Well, that’s the rub, isn’t it? What to do? People out in the world—and we do it, too—think that if there’s a Last Day coming when all people will be judged, then they need to have some good to balance out the bad. If we’re kind enough, then God might be merciful, which might mean He’ll give us a pass on our misdeeds. This sort of thinking pops up when we think, “Well, I’m not that bad of a person.”“I’m not as bad as she is.”“At least I don’t do what he’s doing.” We treat God on Judgment Day as if He were a bear: You don’t have to outrun the bear, just run faster than the other guy! “I don’t have to be perfect. I just need to be better than you, and thank God I am!” But no one else will be there with you when you stand before God’s throne. Each person will face the Judgment Seat of God. So what are you doing to prepare?

Repent of such a thought! That’s not how Judgment Day works at all! You don’t get yourself ready for Judgment Day. Jesus gets you ready for that Last and Final Day. What else is there for you to do for Judgment Day that Jesus hasn’t already done? Answer: Nothing! That’s right. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Zilch. Jesus’ Word from Calvary rings true, not only then, but now, and even forever and ever.

“Tetelestai! It is finished!” The holy, precious blood and the innocent suffering and death of Christ cleanses us from all sins. There isn’t a single sin that He hasn’t paid for. Jesus finished it all. He drank the cup of the Father’s wrath for sin and every sinner down to the dregs. There’s nothing unfinished.

That’s why Jesus said, “It is finished!”

Yes, it’s all finished. Good Friday became Judgment Day—God’s wrath satisfied. Jesus’ work is finished and complete, but now He’s about the business of delivering it. In delivering it, Jesus gets you ready for Judgment Day. How can you stand on that great day? You can boldly stand “on that great day, Cleansed and redeemed, no debt to pay.” (“Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness” LSB 563:2) Jesus gave you this in the waters of your Baptism. He washed your sins away that day. His death and resurrection are yours. You’re justified,“declared innocent” in Him. That’s what your Holy Baptism delivers as Paul says,“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously

through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5–7 NIV).

What will you hear on that day? You will hear Jesus say what He’s been saying your whole life and what He said from the cross on Good Friday: Not only “It is finished!” but also,“Father, forgive them.”

And Jesus doesn’t just say this from His cross. He says this to you, too. He says,“I forgive you all your sins.” He has sent His preachers, His pastors, to say that very thing. He said to them,“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you…Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you retain them, they are retained.” (John 20:21–23 NKJV) What your pastor says to you, you will hear again.

How can you not? The very one who will be your Judge on that Day is the one who was crucified and raised, who sent your pastor to say,“Your sins are all forgiven you.”

What will you do on that day? Well, Judgment Day isn’t a scary day for you, dear Christian. No, not one bit! It’s party day! It’s the wedding party of the Lamb which has no end. You’ve feasted on the flesh and blood of that Lamb in His Supper.

Through giving those to you to eat and drink, Jesus is getting you ready for the eternal party by forgiving your sins, giving you new life, and awarding eternal salvation. All of that is yours. He dwells in you and you in Him by the eating and the drinking of His Body and Blood. Now that you’re in Him, you won’t be locked out of the party. You’ll get to celebrate with Jesus forever.

Judgment Day is coming. It is! You can’t escape it. Yes, there is a Last Day—a day when all good things will continue and begin for you, dear Christian. There’s nothing that you can do. Jesus has already done it all. “Tetelestai! It is finished!”

He delivers the benefits to you of His cross and empty tomb. So? Well, that means you receive the benefits of Judgment Day beforehand! You have a clean garment for Judgment Day, with Christ’s righteousness splashed over your forehead at the font. You’ve already had the judgment ring in your ears—“I forgive you all your sins.” You’re ready for Party Day. You’ve already feasted on Jesus’ Body and Blood!

Eternal life awaits you on the Last Day because of Jesus—what He’s done and delivered to you.

You’re ready. You have to be! Jesus, your Judge, your Savior made sure of that on Good Friday and every day thereafter!

Rev. Aaron T. Fenker is Pastor of Bethlehem and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Bremen, Kansas, and the Conference Catechist for Higher Things.

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MARRY IT? If You LOVE the END TIMES So Much Why Don’t You

Adoration of the Lamb of God by all the Saints from the Ghent Altarpiece - by Jan van EYCK

By Rev. Gaven M. Mize

Dear Faithful One, you are

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cordially invited to a wedding banquet. It will be quite the feast, in fact. The groom has been prepared from before the foundation of the world. He has taken on human flesh and stepped into a world that hated Him. But, don’t worry, it will hate you, too. Thankfully, there is much to eat and drink. And you won’t be alone.

The truth is that a whole host will be around you. And the music, singing, and the angelic choir are seemingly out of this world. The groom has paid the cost; you reap the reward.

Yes, I’m sure that as a dog you didn’t expect even a crumb from the master’s table and yet now you will sit at the table prepared by the Master Himself.

I know that it seemed like only yesterday that the servant was told to go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges, so that the house would be full.

It’s true. You don’t belong here because of your sinsoaked and stained clothes, but you are now wearing the wedding garment. That water mark on your head—forged and engraved by the Word of God—is a dead giveaway that you were brought to the table kicking and screaming.

Oh, here the groom approaches! The feast is prepared! You are the bride and you are the guest!

I know that this example of a wedding/banquet invitation doesn’t reflect that of our modern-day style. And having recently gotten married myself, what I most recall is how much invitations were per-word and that 217 of them cost a fortune.

That being said, to where does this invitation beckon you to come and join in on the festivities? I think most people would reply, “Heaven.”

In fact, I think if you were to ask many people what the end goal of Christianity is the overwhelmingly popular answer would be along the lines of, “The goal is to get into heaven.” How terribly incorrect that is! The whole point of Christianity is that you are face to face with Jesus.

Further, you get to have communion with Him and He forgives your sins. Christ is your leader and you follow—stumbling and falling all the way, but dragged onward solely by the Holy Spirit in faith which trusts in Jesus. Because of this you are also to have fervent love toward one another.

So, where do we go in the meantime…before that glorious day when we experience this Wedding Feast in the flesh through our own resurrection?

The answer is simply: Go to church. Flee to the altar of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. When you partake in the liturgical life of the church you sit at the feet of the Master and He proclaims to you His great and good Law that you would know and come to be horrified by your sins. He then graciously provides you with the Gospel and reminds you of the wedding garment of righteousness that you wear in baptism. In church, you weave in and out of the liturgy until you come to a climactic chorus: With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify God’s glorious name. And with the words from Christ, “…take, eat, this is my body; take, drink, this is my blood…for the forgiveness of all your sins.” Dogs,

though you are, you are not only given a crumb from the Master’s table, you are also invited to eat and to drink your salvation in Christ. And when you have eaten your full and have drunk deeply from the cup, you hear these words from your pastor, who is in the stead and by the command of Christ as he prays, “Gracious God, our heavenly Father, You have given us a foretaste of the feast to come in the Holy Supper of Your Son’s Body and Blood.”

“A foretaste of the feast to come.” That is, the grace and forgiveness that will be with us in paradise, is with you at the Sacrament of the Altar. But, that can’t be right, can it? John the Baptist pointed to Christ in the flesh and proclaimed that He was the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

Christ, who is the Lamb as St. John confesses, tells you that He gives His body to eat and His blood to drink in John Chapter 6 and that those who partake in the eating and drinking of Christ’s Body and Blood already have eternal life and that Christ will raise them up on the last day.

And there we have it. The liturgy and the sacraments all crescendo to the utmost point when Christ, the Son of God, returns to earth and the times come to a close. Every time you eat the flesh of the Son of God and drink His blood, you are passively prepared by the One who is coming for you at the end of time. You partake in the foretaste now! You see dimly in the mirror now; soon you shall see, taste, and be face to face with Christ, Who comes to raise the living and the dead. As the Angel of the Lord revealed to John in Revelation 19 as the times were coming to the close with Christ’s return, so also John speaks the reality for we who believe and have tasted and seen that the Lord is good: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” You have a promise here. When Christ returns at the close of the age you will hear the sweetest of invitations: “Let it be done for you as you have believed. The marriage feast is prepared forever, for you.” And at every Divine Service God intends for you to experience a delightful foretaste of this glorious wedding and the resurrection to come!

Rev. Gaven M. Mize is the pastor of Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory, North Carolina. A graduate of Concordia University of Wisconsin and Concordia Theological Seminary, Rev. Mize is in his second year of CTS DMin program.

He is married to Ashlee Mize, who is awesome.

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Jesus

The End Times:

Still All About

By Katie Hill

“ Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6 (ESV)

“I’m a panmillennialist,” a friend confided in me once. When he saw my questioning look he didn’t wait for me to ask.

“It means I believe everything will pan out in the end.” I had to laugh at that. From a certain point of view, he was right. After all, we believe in a God who promises to work all things for our good, so of course everything has to work out because it will through His Son, Jesus.

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However, we live in an era where there is a great deal of fascination with the end of the world…and not only in our churches. Consider the level of engagement with dystopian literature in our culture: Hunger Games, the Divergent series, etc. And of course, while not dystopian, the apocalyptically focused Left Behind series has experienced amazing success, burgeoned into a kids’ series, several movies, as well as the Bible study market. My own experience with the Left Behind series was that, while I generally enjoyed reading through some of the novels, I knew going in that the doctrinal foundation of the books’ premise was weak at best. And yet many of our evangelical brethren see books and movies like that as sort of a roadmap for the days to come.

So what does the Bible have to say about the thousand years referenced

in Revelation 20? Let’s take a very general look at the major views of the ends times or more specifically, this “millennium.”

Summary of the Four Views Probably the most popular view today is called dispensational premillennialism (DP). Formulated officially in the late 19th century, DP asserts that throughout history, God tests the obedience of His people within seven different dispensations or administrations. Right now we are under the dispensation of grace, whereas the nation of Israel was under the dispensation of law. According to DP, the people of Israel will always be God’s true chosen people and His end goal is to physically set up His kingdom on earth for His people. Prophecies in the Scriptures are to be taken literally, including those in Revelation. There

will be a secret rapture of all of God’s people (views differ as to when this specifically happens in relation to the Tribulation—a 7-year period of particular suffering on the earth during which the Antichrist rules) but all agree that it is before a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth wherein Satan is bound and there is an era of peace.

The temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem and the sacrificial system reinstated.

Eventually Satan will be released for a time, leading to Armageddon (the war to end all wars), followed by the final judgment and finally the new heavens and new earth.

Two less common views are historic premillennialism and postmillennialism.

Historic premillennialism is similar to DP, but there is no separate rapture.

Postmillennialism does not present a literal thousand-year reign or even a visible reign of Christ but claims there will be a golden age of sorts before Christ comes again, during which knowledge of Jesus increases and evil decreases.

And now we come to amillennialism, which has been the historical view of the church and is currently embraced

by Lutherans, Catholics, Anglicans and many Reformed denominations.

It is also the Biblical view because

it understands the millennium in the light of Christ. Amillennialism asserts that although God has worked through various covenants, they had the purpose of pointing to Christ. The nation of Israel pointed toward what we know as the church, so all Christians are God’s chosen people—the seed of Abraham. The Jew/Gentile distinction is done away with. The thousand years is figurative, and began with Christ’s ascension and continues to the end of the age, coming to fruition with Christ’s Final Coming, which will be unmistakable. There will be no secret rapture. When He comes, those who have died in Christ will be resurrected first and we who remain will follow, then comes final judgment and the new heavens/new earth.

So why the divergent views on the end times? What it really boils down to is hermeneutics—the keys we use to interpret the Scriptures. These are very important when reading the whole of Scripture, let alone those seemingly bizarre passages in parts of Daniel, Ezekiel and certainly Revelation. We will just be scratching the surface here but let’s very briefly look at some basic hermeneutics.

Read the text in the sense in which it was intended. History is to be read as history, poetry as poetry, etc. Poetry is often filled with lots of rich and symbolic language. The same goes with apocalyptic passages (those focused on impending destruction) like parts of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation.

For example, when we read in Amos 9:13 that “wine will pour out of the mountains” we understand that to mean fruitfulness, not a literal wine fountain. For the Hebrews, numbers were very important and symbolic of something deeper, such as the number 1000 meaning “completion.”

The glorious descriptions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, using precious metal and jewels, are word pictures to help us grasp what Paradise will be like.

The examples are endless.

Prophecies are often doubly fulfilled.

Many prophecies have an immediate

context and a future context. Amos 9:11-12 tells us that David’s kingdom will be rebuilt. This was partially fulfilled when the Israelites returned to their land after the Babylonian captivity, but St. James tells us in Acts 15:13-18 that God including the Gentiles as His people is a fulfillment of Amos 9 as well. Matthew 24, filled with warnings

by Jesus about terrible times to come, saw its immediate fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., yet it clearly points ahead to a future time as well.

Acknowledge historical context. It’s important to not make Scripture say something it doesn’t. St. John wrote the Book of Revelation around 95 AD when he was in exile on the island of Patmos. His immediate readers at the time were the seven churches to which he addresses the book, in order to encourage, exhort and warn them as they were enduring severe hardships and trials. Revelation is not some secret code-filled fantasy book into which we are to read our modern understanding of the symbolism. St. John’s letter is meant to encourage, exhort and warn us, too, since we are a part of the same Christian church.

Scripture interprets Scripture. We call this the analogy of faith. The clearer passages of Scripture often help us understand the less clear passages.

Many New Testament (NT) passages shed light on Old Testament (OT) passages. The book of Hebrews is a helpful place to see where this comes into play. It frequently uses OT passages to explain God’s plan of redemption through His Son. In Hebrews 1, the writer quotes from the Psalms, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles and Deuteronomy, when declaring Christ’s superiority over the angels. St. Augustine is credited with summing this up well, “The new (NT) in the old (OT) concealed, the old in the new revealed.”

Remember the principle of type and shadow. A type or shadow points ahead to things that have not yet come to pass. And while the OT is packed

with types, there are plenty to be found in the NT as well. Key takeaway: The fulfillment of the type is always greater than the type itself. Why is this important? Because we never want to let the type eclipse what it is pointing toward. Ezekiel 40-46, talks about the rebuilding of the temple, clearly pointing ahead to Matthew 12:6, John 2:19-22 and other passages that explain that Jesus is the temple—where God dwells. This is why the idea of rebuilding a physical temple in Jerusalem and reinstating animal sacrifices is just wrong. And there are NT types, too.

The Lord’s Supper is an example, for it reminds us that there is a greater, eternal feast to come.

How Then Shall We Live?

We live in that “thousand years” right now—the time frame between Christ’s ascension and His Second coming. It’s okay to look for signs but not focus on them. Listen for your pastor to talk about the “consummation,” when we get to enjoy that eternal heavenly feast with our Savior in Paradise. It communicates that all has not been fulfilled yet. Yes, Jesus already has saved us and His kingdom is now, yet there is a final sealing of the deal yet to come.

It’s an already/not yet tension written across the entirety of the Bible.

If we get too caught up in looking for the signs of His return, we can miss out on the comforts of the Gospel through His Word and Sacraments that He provides for the here and now.

Inevitably, we will wonder about the end of all things every now and then.

Remember that for us, the Day of the Lord, or Judgment Day, is good news because the Judge is Christ and His righteousness is ours so He will not be a condemning judge.

What do we know definitively?

Jesus is coming. We will be raised. We will dwell with Him forever in Paradise.

Indeed, it will all pan out in the end.

Katie Hill is the editor of Higher Things Magazine.

She can be reached at katie.hill@higherthings.org

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Let’s identify and diagnose a very dangerous spiritual

disease. I call it millennialitis. One of its symptoms is Rapture Fever (I’ll get to that in a moment). The millennial malady is highly contagious. In fact, it is an epidemic in our country. More importantly, it can be spiritually lethal. The good news is that it can be prevented and cured. So roll up your sleeve and prepare yourself for a much needed vaccination. Will it hurt? Sure. So what! No pain—no gain!

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Millennialitis is easy to spot. You know you are deeply infected with it when you deliriously mouth the millennium mantra. What is that?

It is this: Jesus had and still has a millennium on the brain, that is to say, when Jesus first came on the scene He relentlessly offered to reign as king from Jerusalem for a peaceful and prosperous 1,000 years (a millennium).

In other words, when Jesus took on flesh and was born of the virgin Mary He had millennial mania. After dying on the cross, the main thing He intended to do was to set up an earthly reign of 1,000 years and then Judgment Day would come. When you talk like that you have become sick with millennialitis.

With that, let’s pause for just a second and reflect on the unwholesomeness of this affliction. What does millennialitis leave out from the get go? What is not even on the radar screen? What (or Who) gets diminished or downgraded? Yes, that’s right.

You guessed it. It is the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus— what you know as central and essential: sine qua non! However, when you are tainted with millennialitis, you can’t see that Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Sunday were ever part of the Lord’s divine plan—ONLY THE EARTHLY MILLENNIAL KINGDOM IS!

Since people in the New Testament rejected His offer of the millennium and put Him to death (whoops!), Jesus put it off for a while. Consequently, those infected with millennialitis still wait for the goal or climax of history: the millennium. It’s almost like Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave was hastily put into place like some kind of Plan B! When you suffer from millennialitis, you aren’t as able to “fix your eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2) who endured the cross for your salvation. Instead, you are fixated on a postponed future millennium as the whole enchilada of God’s purpose for you and for the world! That ought to raise a lot of red flags! It truly indicates just how

severely detrimental millennialitis is to your spiritual health!

Jesus, however, teaches just the opposite. The first sermon out of His mouth is that the climax of all history has come in His earthly ministry that leads to Good Friday (Mark 1:15).

Jesus actually does bring about God’s reign of peace on the earth but it is precisely in, with and under His birth, life, suffering, death on the cross and His glorious resurrection from the dead.

This is the central teaching of Jesus and His apostles (Matthew 1:21-22; 20:17-19, 28; Luke 1:79; 2:14; 24:26-27, 44-46; John 12:23; 17:1; Acts 2:17, 30-36; 3:18-24; 10:36; Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Ephesians 2:14, 17; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 1:1-2; 9:26; 1 Peter 1:20). Since His ascension to the Father’s right hand, Jesus continues to reign until the Last Day as He dispenses forgiveness, life and salvation through the preaching of the gospel and the giving out of the sacraments (Matthew 16:19; 18:18; 26:2628; 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47; John 20:19-23).

However, when you’re ailing from millennialitis, you also suffer from a high-grade Rapture Fever. It makes you delirious. You can’t think straight. Rapture Fever makes you hallucinate.

One of the delusions that come with the fever is this: Seven years

By Rev. Brent W. Kuhlman

before the millennial reign or 1,007 years before the Last Day, Jesus will silently and secretly snatch up or rapture to heaven all believers from the earth. As fast as you can say, “Bob’s your uncle,” every Christian will vanish from the face of the earth (no matter what they are doing or no matter where they are) in order to be spared the imminent and nasty seven years of tribulation in which the Antichrist unleashes his tyranny. Coughing profusely and sweating feverishly from millennialitis you trot out a Bible passage to prove that you are really quite well. It is 1 Thessalonians 4:17: “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up…”

The original Greek is harpazo; the Latin Vulgate is raptus—and voila! You’ve got a rapture!

Give me your other arm please.

Vaccination round two! 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 is not about what happens 1,007 years before the Last Day (as if there were two comings of Jesus separated by 1,007 years). The apostle Paul describes what will take place ON THE LAST DAY—“the coming [parousia] of the Lord,” (15). The word parousia was commonly used in the Greekspeaking world to denote the very public and bodily arrival or coming of kings and rulers on a visit. The word never implies that the coming is secret or unseen. How appropriate that Paul uses this same word to speak of Jesus when He comes in triumph on the Last Day to raise the dead. In the rest of the New Testament, parousia is almost exclusively used to describe Jesus’ return in glory on the Last Day (e.g.

Matthew 24:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 2 Peter 3:4-12; Paul speaks of being comforted by the “coming [parousia] of Titus,” (2 Corinthians 7:6) and the “coming [parousia] of Stephanus, Fortunatus and Achaicus,” (1 Corinthians 16:17).1 Contrary to those who suffer from millennialitis, the Last Day parousia of the Lord will be quite earsplitting. “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command with the voice of an archangel and with the sound of the trumpet of God,” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). In addition, you know that the parousia is the Last Day because there is the resurrection of the body. If you ever had any concerns about what will happen on the Last Day to your deceased loved ones who believed in Jesus, let there be no doubts. They will be the first to taste the resurrection of the body that will come on the Last Day. Check it out: “For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming [parousia] of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep … the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord,” (1 Thessalonians 15, 16b-17).

When the Lord Jesus comes [parousia] on the Last Day all believers will be together once more. Bodies raised from the grave and those still

alive will be “caught up … in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” in order to enjoy the forevermore bliss of Paradise and fellowship with God! What joy! What hope!

“Therefore comfort one another with these words,” words that come from the Lord Jesus himself (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Here endeth the vaccination. Millennialitis and Rapture Fever be gone!

In the Name of Jesus.

1 Other Greeks word that are used in the New Testament for the Last Day coming of Jesus are: “revelation” [apokalupsis] (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 1 Peter 1:7, 13; 4:13); “appearing” [epiphaneia] (2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:13-14; 2 Timothy 4:1, 7-8; Titus 2:13); and “to be made apparent, evident, or manifest [phaneroo] (1 Peter 5:4; 1 John 3:2b).

Rev. Brent W. Kuhlman is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Murdock, Nebraska.

He can be reached at kuhlman brent@gmail.com

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A

Narnian

Guide to Su

Have you noticed a recurring theme in the books we read, the movies we see, or the TV shows we binge watch? As those great theologians of the apocalypse, REM, once sang, It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.

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But seriously, why all the doom and gloom, the world-is-going-to-beblown-to-bits-like-Alderaan hysteria?

Is it the money? Let’s face it, Judgment Day sells like oceanfront property in Arizona when the Big One hits. Bookstores, theatres, and Netflix queues are full of stories set in an apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, or dystopian, world. We can’t seem to read or watch enough of this genre.

Is art reflecting reality? Screenwriters and storytellers frequently use their art forms to warn us about problems common to human experience or reveal thought-provoking themes and moral dilemmas like those that regularly occur in The Walking Dead or The Hunger Games.

Or is it just entertainment? Some like romantic comedies, while others enjoy the adrenaline rush of surviving yet another alien invasion of planet earth.

Truth be told, reality is a mix of all three. But there’s something more than money, madness, and marketing revealed by our culture’s obsession with the End Times.

There’s a lot we know: the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, the distance to the moon, or how long it took Magellan to circumnavigate the globe. But when faced with hard questions—the ones we’re unable to answer, such as, “When will the world end?”—we panic. And when we’re afraid, survival instincts kick in. Ironically, as much as we want our story to have a happy ending, we are incapable of creating the happily-ever-after-ending we so desire, whether it’s on the pages of a good book, the silver screen, or the front page of the morning news.

As baptized Christians, however, we know how the story ends: The good guys win. Jesus returns. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting. We look forward to the new heavens and the new earth, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the marriage supper of the Lamb. Still we wonder, how do we dare to be Lutheran in a Mad Max world?

Consider the Last Days of Narnia, as written by C.S. Lewis in his book, The Last Battle. What C.S. Lewis does in depicting Jesus’ passion in a symbolic and imaginative way through Aslan’s substitutionary death in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, he portrays for the Last Days in our world through symbolism and storytelling in this masterful conclusion to The Chronicles of Narnia.

Think of The Last Battle as The Narnian Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse. By seeing the end times in Lewis’ imaginative world of Narnia, we can see Jesus’ Second Coming better here in our own world.

urviving the

Apocalypse

Survival Tip #2: Know the Enemy However apparent Shift’s treachery is to the reader, his villainy is much harder for the Narnians to recognize. The Ape is manipulative, cunning, and most of all, self-serving. He claims to speak for Aslan, yet lacks Aslan’s selfless mercy, and love. He leads many astray into false belief, great shame, and vice. He blasphemes Aslan, claiming that Aslan and Tash (the Calormenes’ false god) are the same.

Clearly, Shift is the anti-Aslan.

Identifying evil in our world can be just as tricky. Like Puzzle the donkey cloaked in lion’s skin, sin, death, and the devil masquerade their lies with cunning, beauty, and empty promises, and are dead set against God’s will. Jesus warns us about this, too: Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray (Mark 13:6). Know the enemy. But also know that sin, death, and the devil are defeated. Forever. For you.

Survival Tip #3: Know That Help is on the Way Narnia’s final chapter seems dark, ugly, and hopeless, just as it seems in our world. But hope was not lost. Eustace and Jill are sent to help. Aslan returns and Old Narnia gives way to the New Narnia. Further up and further in, to Aslan’s country they go. The end is really the beginning.

So it is for us. We don’t have to worry about the sky falling or pray that the odds are in our favor. We already know the outcome. Jesus died; we died with Him in Holy Baptism. Jesus rose from the dead; we will, too. Jesus’ promised return is not something to fear, but to long for.“Come quickly, Lord Jesus,” we pray.

For us, the end is the beginning. Jesus’ teaching on the End Times is our supreme comfort. When you see these signs, lift up your heads. Know that your redemption draws near. Help is on the way. The Shadowlands will soon be behind us. Jesus will return. And in Jesus, “The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.”1 1

C.S. Lewis. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle. New York: Harper Trophy, 2000, p. 210.

Rev. Samuel P. Schuldheisz is the pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, California.

Christ in Majesty, 1716.

Survival Tip #1: Know the Signs As the story begins, Narnia is in its last days. Shift the Ape finds a lion’s skin in Caldron Pool. After some trickery, he fools the donkey, named Puzzle, into wearing the lion’s skin. His devilish deception is worsened by his next move: Puzzle is commanded to wander the forest pretending to be Aslan, the true Lion.

Tension heightens in Narnia as Shift the Ape spreads his great lie that Aslan has returned, and that he alone is privileged to communicate with him. Narnia devolves in turmoil. The talking animals are treated like ordinary beasts. Ancient trees are destroyed. Narnians are enslaved. Even King Tirian is captured. The signs of the end abound: confusion, doubt, and despair at every turn.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Jesus promised this would happen in our world, too: famine, earthquakes, wars and rumors of war, apostasy, unbelief, and of course, false prophets. Know the signs. Be prepared. The end is near.

William Blake, The Great Red Dragon and the Beast from the Sea and Death on a Pa;e Horse, 1805 and 1800.

Rev. Samuel P. Schuldheisz

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University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA

Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO

July 26-29

Visit BreadofLife2016.org or email conferences@higherthings.org for more details.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst,” (St. John 6:35).

Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the bread that came down from heaven. Our fathers ate manna in the wilderness and they all died. Jesus is the Bread that a man may eat of and never die. Believing in His Words and promises, receiving His Body and Blood, we live forever.

We are very excited to announce that the 2016 Higher Things conferences will rejoice in Jesus being the “Bread of Life.” We will receive His Words. We will eat His Body and drink His Blood. We will live forever.

Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN

July 5-8

Higher Things 2016 Conferences

Bread of Life

June 28-July 1

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JESUS: the Grave’s Sheol

by Rev. Donavon Riley

The Resurrection: Descent Into Hades, 4.5” x 6”, from an image of an original icon painted by Sr. Cecelia. www.newskete.com

Sheol is a strange thing.

No one is sure where the word originated.

Outside the Old Testament, it doesn’t show up except in one old Jewish papyrus. There it means “grave.” Sheol is a poetic synonym for a grave. Later, in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, Sheol became “Hades,” which is used to designate either the “grave” or “hell.” Still, the best translation of Sheol is simply “grave.”

Jacob goes down in sorrow to Sheol. Joab and Shimei, too. Job describes Sheol as a dark, dusty place where worms feast on dead bodies. Righteous or wicked, king or pig farmer, all people go down to a grave. Jesus is raised from the grave, or more accurately, a tomb. Then, later, all believers in Christ will be called out of Sheol.

Sheol isn’t just a place. Other ancient religions believed that after death people sat in a place of gloom and silence. Unremembered. Unable to speak to the gods. Unknown by the gods. Instead, the Bible paints a different picture of Sheol for us. Yes, it looks like a typical Palestinian tomb. Dark and dusty. The bones of many dead everywhere. Where “this poor, lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.”

But the descriptions of Sheol also go in different poetic directions. Israel’s prophets described Sheol as something more than just a place.

In the Book of Job and Song of Solomon, Sheol is depicted as having human qualities. In Job 2:3, Sheol is a womb. In the Psalms and Hosea (49:15; 89:48; 13:14) Sheol is a hand. In Isaiah 5:14, Sheol is a throat. In the same verse, Isaiah also describes Sheol as a monstrous behemoth. At other points in Isaiah and the Psalms, Sheol is a mouth (5:14; 141:7, respectively). In Proverbs (27:20), the writer expresses Sheol’s insatiable hunger. Finally, the Psalmist (49:15) praises God, who ransoms our soul from the hand of Sheol.

After those vivid depictions of Sheol, the Old Testament doesn’t say much. The New Testament doesn’t either. The wicked at some point are sent into torment. Those who are declared righteous by faith enjoy the resurrection to everlasting life. A few other Bible verses talk about eventual resurrected life in a new heaven and earth.

The most important point about Sheol, though, is this: God “ransoms our soul from the hand of Sheol.” God is still God of the heavens and the earth, and Sheol. Yes, the grave is a mirror that shows all of us that we are not who we ought to be. It is a clay-encrusted hand that snatches us from life to death. It is a cold, musty, insatiable beast that is

never full. Mouth always open. It doesn’t care about our religion, hair color, or tuition payments. Sheol is always hungry.

But, the grave is not our final destination— especially not death that separates us forever from our Creator. No. Death is the consequence of sin.

Turned in on ourselves, turned away from God, we choose death over life. We go down into Sheol because we would rather try to be gods in God’s place than let Him be God for us. The power of sin drives us into Sheol. A silent abyss. Dark and cold.

Worms feast on our flesh and God’s face is obscured by grave clothes, dirt, and rock.

That is where Jesus comes in.

He is the Word of God made flesh. Jesus came into the world to ransom souls from Sheol. He doesn’t just redeem the heavens and the earth on Calvary, but the graves of all the dead, too. Jesus’ shed blood and death even redeem Sheol from the power of sin. Jesus is death’s Death. Jesus is the grave’s Sheol. If you can imagine it, Jesus is a sixfoot deep hole into which God throws our grave.

He buries Sheol in Jesus. God pats down the dirt a bit more with the shovel, wipes off His face on His shirtsleeve, and says, “Glad that’s done.”

By His bloody suffering and death, Jesus frees all those on earth, and all those under the earth from the powers of sin and death—one time for all time. Abraham, who died in faith in God’s promised Savior, will be raised from Sheol. Job, who confessed he would one day see God face to face, will be raised from Sheol. John, James, and Peter, who made a good confession about Christ will be raised from Sheol. All believers in Christ have been ransomed from the clutches of the grave. He removed us and put Himself in Sheol’s palm.

Jesus lay right there in the palm of death’s hand—squeezed and broken unto death. Then three days later He crushed Sheol underfoot. He had to do it. He promised. But, not only that. As the Psalmist says, “The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 115:17-18) Rev. Donavon Riley is the pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Webster, Minnesota. He is also the online content manager for Higher Things. You can contact him at elleon713@gmail.com

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Teach Us to Number Our Days

By Rev. Joel Fritsche

What happens when a person dies?

What is it like? Is there really a white light?

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I remember being at my grandfather’s bedside when he died. I was already a pastor.

I had studied theology. I knew God’s promise of eternal life through faith in Christ. That doesn’t mean it was easy. I’ve spoken those promises at the bedside of the dying before.

It’s not always the same. Sometimes I cry tears of joy for the dying, knowing their suffering will soon be over. Sometimes I shed tears for the family left behind, sharing in their grief. My grandpa’s death sticks with me. Although he had been mostly sleeping before he died, his eyes opened up wide as he breathed his last breath, as if he saw something amazing. What did he see? I don’t know.

We can ask those who died and were resuscitated, but we won’t know what is fully experienced at death until we experience it ourselves. However, let me return to the bedside of the dying. It’s at the death of a loved one when we especially crave answers. I remember one particular time holding the hand of a church member hours away from death. Off and on for over 24 hours with the family I read Scripture, prayed and sang hymns. His grandson asked me,“Pastor, what is heaven like?” So we turned to Revelation, particularly chapters 7 and 21. I could see the comfort on his face as we heard about the holy city, the new Jerusalem and God dwelling with His people.

Now, for the most part, when Scripture speaks about heaven and eternal life, it speaks about the new heavens and earth at the final resurrection on the Last Day. St. John comforts us in His epistle,“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). That’s amazing comfort for us. But what of those who die before that? Scripture is rather quiet on the intermediate state of the soul. What did Jesus say to the thief on thief on the cross? “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). When St. Paul was faced with his own impending death or continuing his apostolic work, he said,“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23). In other words, we know that at the moment of death, the believer is with Christ. That’s real comfort as well. Is there a white light? Scripture doesn’t really say that.

Ultimately does it really matter? No. Scripture does address death specifically.

Make no mistake about it, death is God’s wrath, pure and simple. Moses acknowledges such in Psalm 90, “For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed” (90:7). Moses was well acquainted with the horrors of death. Even as Pharaoh decreed the death of all Hebrew male children, baby Moses was placed in a little ark by his mother and set afloat in the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Soon after, he was snatched from death’s grip and drawn up out of the water

by Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses became God’s instrument to set His chosen people free from the shackles of slavery in Egypt and to lead them to the Promised Land. Nevertheless, death always loomed close.

God, in His wrath against hard-hearted Pharaoh, allowed death to have its way in Egypt. In the fifth plague, all the livestock of the Egyptians died. In the tenth plague, the Egyptians lost their firstborn sons. Finally, Pharaoh let Israel go. But the death toll wasn’t over. Changing his mind, Pharaoh and his army pursued Israel to the Red Sea. What happened? God parted the waters, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground, but let the

sea fall upon Pharaoh’s army to their death.

Still, death wasn’t done. Countless Israelites perished in the wilderness under God’s judgment for their wickedness.

After reflecting on the brevity of human life and the reality and depth of human sin and God’s wrath over it, Moses prays,“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Death is our teacher.

When death takes a loved one, God calls us who remain through his Word, to repentance and faith. We recognize our own sin, our own frailty and our own death that surely looms in the distance. We recognize anew the brokenness of this sinful world, that we ourselves are broken.

Our brief days are numbered.

However, in the midst of God’s wrath over sin, Moses prays for and clings to God’s mercy, His favor, His steadfast love. He prays, “Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children” (90:16).

That’s exactly what God has done and still does, even for you today. He freely gives you His work of salvation in Christ. Like Moses, you were snatched from the clutches of death, drawn out of the water in your baptism. You were brought to safety in the ark of the Holy Christian Church, where Christ, who took your place in death on the cross, now lives to serve you. If there’s a white light at all, it’s the light of His righteousness that you now wear.

Death teaches us and prepares us for our own collision with mortality. But the comfort of God’s promise of eternal life in Christ is the ultimate preparation. Every death points us to Christ’s death and resurrection where you are made certain that death can’t truly touch you. You’ll close your eyes in death and awaken to see Jesus, and even more so at the final resurrection, when you will be like Him and see Him as He is in all His glory, death undone forever!

Rev. Joel Fritsche and his family are LCMS missionaries to the people of the Dominican Republic. He is also the secretary for Higher Things.

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New Heavens.

New Earth.

By Rev. Mark Buetow

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. - Revelation 21:1

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he universe began with the creation of the heavens and the earth. When the Lord makes all things new on the Last Day, there will be a new heavens and new earth. The universe is a physical place. It’s made of matter and energy. The new heavens and the new earth will be physical places. There will be matter and energy, maybe not quite in the way we know now, for there will be no more decay and death, but there will be physical matter nonetheless. This is what we believe when we confess in the Apostles’ Creed: I believe…in the resurrection of the BODY and the life everlasting. An eternal new creation.

Not just some ghostly existence where our spirity spirits float around on fluffy clouds. New bodies. Bodies that don’t die, but bodies, nonetheless. Bodies that live in a world that God makes new when He comes again and makes all things new.

Somewhere in the past we got it into our heads that when we die we “go to heaven.” Would it surprise you to learn that the Bible never teaches such a thing? When God made the heavens and the earth, He planted a garden—a paradise in Eden—and there, by His Word and Spirit, put the man and woman He created. Just so, Jesus tells the thief who asks to be remembered that “today you will be with Me in paradise.” When we usually think of “heaven” our minds tend to gravitate to the popular depictions of people in white robes with wings hopping from cloud to cloud carrying harps. Frankly, it’s a vast and dull whiteness that doesn’t really sound exciting at all.

But the Holy Scriptures don’t describe Paradise this way. It’s a city of gold, the New Jerusalem. It’s a river flowing with beautiful trees alongside that give their fruit every month. It’s a paradise filled with the saints who get to see Jesus face to face. What could be better? But that’s the key: There will be a new heavens and a new earth, but its center, its sun, its life is the Lamb of God: Jesus. In fact, it is Jesus Himself who shows us that our everlasting life isn’t just some ghostly boredom but rather a beautiful new physical creation that will last forever.

Consider, first of all, that when the Son of God came to save us, He came as man. He took on a human nature in the womb of Mary. This is the mystery of the incarnation and of Jesus’ life, suffering, and death. The mystery is that the eternal, uncreated Son of God could become man, become one of us, and have a physical body that could grow, hunger, thirst, be pierced, bleed, and even die. To redeem what He created, God came into that very creation.

And the new creation is glimpsed when Jesus is raised from the dead.

Jesus was no mere ghost or spirit.

He still has His body, but now it’s a resurrected, glorified body. It’s a body that can still show His nail and spear marks and be touched. It’s a body that can walk along the road while He teaches the scriptures to His disciples.

It’s a body that can cook up some fish for breakfast and eat with His disciples.

So the days that Jesus spends with His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension teach us, first of all, that when we are raised from the dead, our bodies will be raised. Jesus teaches us furthermore that our eternal life is one in our bodies, that is, a physical existence. It’s no existence stripped of our bodies! Our bodies are gifts. God made them. He’ll raise and remake them at the Last Day, too, so they can live forever with Him. And notice how the very physical elements of this heaven and earth are used by Jesus to give us the hope of eternal life in the new heavens and new earth by already promising us our own resurrection from the dead.

Consider baptism, which has a physical element—water—to which is added God’s Word. And St. Paul says that we who have been baptized have been buried and raised with Christ (Romans 6). Consider also the Lord’s Supper.

Bread (made from grain) and wine (from grapes) along with which Jesus gives us His very Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins. And He says that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood will be raised up on the Last Day (John 6). Consider how the Lord delivers the Word into your physical ears by the physical voice of your preacher, preached from an actual book written by the hands of the apostles and prophets. Physical. Creation. Matter.

Energy. Real. Not ephemeral and ghostly and spirity.

And these gifts of Jesus are the connection between our lives in this

heaven and earth which are passing away and the new heavens and the new earth which the Lord will make on that Last Day. While this heaven and earth may pass away, the Word of the Lord will never pass away (Luke 21) and therefore you will pass from one to the next because you are surrounded by and given life by that very Word. Think about it. God created everything by speaking His Word. He made you a new creation by His Word. He will raise you from the dead and give you everlasting life, in your body, by His Word. When you die, your earthly body will be laid to rest in the dirt of this creation. But on the Last Day, when this heaven and earth passes away, the Lord will raise you up and give you an immortal body which will live with Him forever in the new heavens and earth.

Matter. Physical stuff. Earth. Flesh.

Blood. Bodies. Everlasting life is not an airy “heaven” of floaty spirits drifting in eternal boredom! Everlasting life is the new heavens and the new earth. It’s a paradise at the center of which is the Lord Himself, giving us everlasting life and light and wiping away every tear and keeping us forever and ever from sin and death. This is the life that has already begun for you at the holy font in this creation and will continue on and on forever and ever in the eternity of the new creation. New heavens.

New earth. The home of righteousness.

Because that’s where Jesus will be.

Rev. Mark Buetow is the associate pastor elect of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in McHenry, Illinois. He also serves as the deputy and media services executive for Higher Things.

He can be reached at buetowmt@gmail.com.

W S PI N R TI EN RG 2 0 1 6 _ 23

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Dare to be a Deaconess!

Concordia University Chicago: The Total Package for Deaconess Education With a 35-year history, CUC’s deaconess program is the oldest and most well established in the LCMS. Students and graduates serve throughout the U.S. and the world.

• Sit at the feet of outstanding theology professors • Learn from veteran deaconesses • Worship and study God’s Word in a vibrant community of faith • Live, learn and serve alongside many church work students • Study theology in Cambridge, UK • Live out God’s mercy in field work, internship and graduate placement around Chicago, the U.S. and the world • A cost-effective way to obtain full LCMS Deaconess Certification • Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theology plus a one-year paid internship H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 26

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Learn more about becoming a deaconess today by visiting CUChicago.edu/deaconess or email Kristin.Wassilak@CUChicago.edu.

Upcoming Higher Things Retreats!

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Why Be Lutheran?

August 12-13, 2016 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, SD Teacher: Rev. Jonathan Fisk Contact: Pastor Samuel Bobby: samuelbobby@yahoo.com Cost: $40/person

The Sanctity of Life

October 7-8, 2016 First Lutheran Church in Holyoke, MA Teacher: TBD Contact: Christine Moser: cmoser0404@myfairpoint.net Cost: TBD

Adam, Jesus, and You!

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S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 _ 27

Catechism

The Gift of

By Rev. William M. Cwirla

You shall not murder.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need. (The Fifth Commandment)

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, dear Reader. Happy Birthday to you!

H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 28

Don’t you love birthdays…especially your birthday? Balloons, gifts, a party with your friends. People singing to you. What’s not to like? You were born, and we’re happy for you.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made, a creature of God, and we thank God for you.

Happy Birthday!

Life is precious. Human life is sacred, set apart, holy, from the womb to the tomb. While we share a common biology with the animals—most of the same DNA, same cells, same stuff—we are different from the animals. We are made in God’s image. We are spiritual creatures. The Son of God honored our humanity by becoming one of us, conceived in a mother’s womb and born just like us in order to save us.

Taking human life away is murder. It’s trying to be god in place of God. Only God kills and makes alive. We can’t make anyone alive, and we are not given to take their life away, whether the baby in the womb, the old person in the nursing home, or the neighbor who irritates us.

Murder is unauthorized killing. There is, however, such a thing as authorized killing.

The government has the authority to kill when necessary, as in times of war to defend the country, or to punish those who murder, or when the lives of others are in danger. But no person individually has the authority to take another’s life. That would be playing God. But there’s more. The catechism speaks about hurting and harming, not just killing.

That’s where we get into trouble. You can kill someone by doing nothing, for example, when you see a hungry person and give him no food, or a thirsty person and give him no water, or a person lying in a ditch and offer him no help. John says anyone who hates his brother is a murderer (1 John 3:15). Now that’s hitting close to our own hearts.

We’re all murderers at heart, even if we’ve never killed anyone. “I wish you were dead!”

Ever say that? Think it? Then you’re a murderer, too. Have you looked away from that homeless person begging on the street corner?

Murderer! Have you stuffed your face with fast food while your neighbor goes hungry?

Murderer! Have you looked the other way while someone was being beaten up, picked on, abused? Murderer!

Our bodies matter to God. They are God’s gift to us: our eyes, ears, and all our members, our reason and our senses.

God gave these to us. The body of our neighbor is important to God, too. And He’s put us there to help and support our neighbor in every physical, bodily need. We’re supposed to be there for him, and he’s there for us. That’s what a community is.

Jesus came to be our neighbor—to help and support in our time of need. He took our sin and death in His body, and He for our bodies gives us His Body and Blood as spiritual food and drink. He swapped His innocent life for a murderer named Barabbas. That’s us, too! He swapped His life for us. He exchanged our sin for His righteousness. Like Barabbas the murderer, we go free thanks to Jesus, and Jesus goes to His death thanks to us, in order to save us and to raise our bodies from death to life eternal.

Jesus is there in the body of your brother and sister for you to serve.“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). When you help and support your neighbor in need, you have done it to Jesus. What a great way to thank Him for saving you! And what a great way to rejoice in the sacred gift of life!

You shall not murder, hurt, nor hate; Your anger dare not dominate.

Be kind and patient; help, defend, And treat your foe as your friend.

Have mercy, Lord!

(Lutheran Service Book #581) Rev. William M. Cwirla is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, and is a president emeritus of Higher Things. He can be reached at wcwirla@gmail.com.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 _ 29

New Heavens.

New Earth.

A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY • Spring 2016

1

6

2

7

What do you think it means to die and “go to heaven?” Why do we use this way of speaking? What do people think heaven is?

Read Genesis 1:1. What did God make?

What does this include? Now read Revelation 21:1. What happens to the heaven and earth on the Last Day? With what are they replaced? What do you think that might be like?

Are we with the Lord when we die? Are we waiting for our bodies to be raised from the dead? Which is it? For something of a hint how to answer, see Luke 20:27–38. What does Jesus teach us about those who have died?

3

8

Sometimes people think that when we die, our bodies don’t matter anymore.

Read John 20:26–29; 21:1–14. In what ways does Jesus show that not only is He alive, but He is still a human being with a body, not just a ghost or spirit? What does this suggest about our resurrection?

4

Read Luke 23:39–43. What does Jesus say is going to happen to the thief when he dies? Now read Philippians 1:21–23. What is Paul’s desire? Who is with us when we die?

H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 30

Read Ezekiel 37:1–14. What might the resurrection of the dead look like on the Last Day? How is this accomplished?

5

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35–49. What happens to our bodies when we die? What is raised on the Last Day? What does “spiritual” mean versus “natural?”

Where does the Lord place the man and woman after He creates them in Genesis 2:8–9? What does the Apostle see in His vision in Revelation 2:7; 22:1–5? What is a better word for this than “heaven?”

9

What is the implication for us regarding what Jesus says in Matthew 24:35? What is the connection between our life in this world and body and the resurrection and life to come?

10

Close by singing “Jerusalem the Golden,” LSB 672.

To access the Leader’s Guide for this study, as well as Bible studies for articles in this issue and previous issues, as a part of an HTOnline subscription, point your browser to: higherthings.org/magazine/biblestudies.html.

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“The Bridegroom and His Bride” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction This Bible Study looks at some of the Scriptures which illustrate Christ’s love for His church as a Bridegroom for His bride. It is a beautiful picture by which the church can see herself as the special treasure of the Bridegroom and what He has done for her in loving and saving her.

1. Read Genesis 2:21–25. From where does Adam’s bride come? Now read John 19:25–37. Who is the Bride of Christ and where does she come from?

The connection here is that the Lord made Eve from Adam’s side. Likewise, the Bride of Christ comes from the New Adam’s side. Blood and water flow from Jesus’ side. These are baptism and Communion, the very sacraments which create and nourish the church. Likewise, Jesus, from the cross, left His mother and Father and was united to His bride, the church. He loves her in death by shedding His blood for her.

2. Read John 2:1–11. Where does this take place? What happens at the feast? What does Jesus do?

How does He do it? What hints at Good Friday do we see in the materials of this sign? What does this miracle show us about the reason and purpose for Jesus being here?

The wedding at Cana is the opportunity Jesus takes for His first sign (or miracle—but calling it a sign means it points to Him as something…) The wine runs out which could ruin the party but Jesus turns the water into wine. Lots of wine. And the best kind of wine. The vessels of cleansing (due to the ceremonial Law of the Old Testament) are filled with water and bring forth wine. It’s a bit of foreshadowing to the water and blood that will come from Jesus’ side on Calvary. The fact that His first sign is a wedding reminds us that Jesus came to have Himself a bride. To be the Bridegroom who rescues His Bride and saves her.

3. Read Ezekiel 16:1–14. How is Israel pictured by the prophet? What has the Lord done for her?

Continue with Ezekiel 16:15–19, 33–34. What did Israel do? How did she behave?

Israel is pictured as a baby who is rescued by God, and raised and given every good gift and advantage.

She is His beloved and special woman. It was as if she were just for Him. But she abandoned the Lord and played the harlot, that is, a whore (as the old King James translates it). She worshiped every false god she could find; it was as if she were committing adultery against the Lord and was not faithful.

4. What is going to happen to Israel? See Ezekiel 16:35–39. How will the Lord deal with Israel after all this? See Ezekiel 16:60–63. What does this say about how He loves her?

The Lord lets Israel have her way. He gives her over to her false gods, her “lovers” and they abuse and hurt her. But in the end, the Lord will save her. (This is a prophecy of the time Israel spends in exile in Babylon but then the Lord sets her free and she goes back to the Promised Land). The Lord Himself promises to provide for atonement, that is, to cover her sins. Israel, the Lord’s beloved, is a whore who gets what she wants, but before that could destroy her, the Lord saves her. Make sure to point out the connection between “adultery” and “idolatry,” that is, very often in the Bible unfaithfulness to a spouse is a picture of unfaithfulness to the Lord.

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

5. Read Hosea 1:1–2. What does the Lord ask Hosea to do? What does this illustrate? Now read Hosea 2:14–20. What will the Lord do for Israel? How would you describe the Lord’s love for Israel in the Old Testament?

Hosea was commanded to marry a harlot! This was to be an illustration of how the Lord loved Israel even though she was unfaithful and adulterous (worshiping other gods). He will restore her and betroth her to Himself. He loves her and won’t let her go away with another man, but wants her for Himself and will do whatever it takes to woo her. The Lord loves Israel like the man we would call foolish, whose wife always runs around on him but he loves her anyway, never stops loving her, and always tries to get her back, whatever it takes.

6. Read Ephesians 5:22–33. How does the church relate to Jesus? How should a wife relate to her husband? How should a husband love his wife? How has Jesus loved the church?

The church looks for Jesus to save her. Her faith is that He forgives her sins and sees her as He promises.

She doesn’t try to get rid of her sins herself or let anyone other than Jesus save her. Likewise, a wife should look only to her husband to love and forgive her. A husband is to love his wife even by giving up his own life for hers. Jesus loves the church by giving His life for hers in order that she may be spotless and blameless. Perfect. Holy. No blemishes. No sins. He absolutely cannot see any spots or faults in her.

7. What do you notice about how the bride is described in the Old Testament versus in the New? What is the difference in the way we see her (or the way she sees herself or the Lord sees her)?

Notice that the bride’s unfaithfulness is pointed out by the prophets in vivid detail. The Apostle, however, speaks as if the church cannot do wrong, and is perfect and spotless. The difference is the coming of Christ. Apart from Jesus, the “Old Adam” sinful nature of the bride is shown in all her adultery and idolatry.

In Christ, however, God sees her as nothing other than sinless and holy and spotless and perfect. Jesus really is the true Bridegroom who loves His wife and no other. He loves her in such a way that He just can’t see her as anything but perfect in His sight since He died and rose for her.

8. Read Revelation 19:6–9. What is pictured on the Last Day? How does the church see herself now?

How does Christ see her? How is she in reality?

The church confesses her sins and her sinfulness. We don’t deny our sins. Yet even now, since He bled and died and rose for her, Jesus sees her as spotless and perfect. On the Last Day, the church will be seen as she really is. She will be arrayed in white, granted her by the Lamb who died and rose for her. We are a part of that multitude that makes up the church; we are the Bride of Christ. The Last Day reveals what has always been true: The Lord can never despise or look down on His bride. He eagerly and with joy receives her to the eternal wedding feast. The marriage of the Lord and His Bride are our eternal communion with Jesus in paradise for eternity.

9. How might the picture of Christ and His bride the church change our image of what the Last Day will be like?

Answers may vary but it boils down to this: Rather than a day of doom and gloom or fire and brimstone, the Last Day is the arrival of the Bridegroom to claim His Bride for the eternal wedding feast. Instead of a serious courtroom sort of picture for Judgment Day, think instead of a wedding reception. The guests await the arrival of the bride and groom and then the party starts! So it will be on the Last Day. Jesus returns, claims us, His Bride, and then the celebration begins and kicks into high gear forever!

Closing Sing together “Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise,” (LSB #680)

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“The Bridegroom and His Bride” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Read Genesis 2:21–25. From where does Adam’s bride come? Now read John 19:25–37. Who is the Bride of Christ and where does she come from?

2. Read John 2:1–11. Where does this take place? What happens at the feast? What does Jesus do?

How does He do it? What hints at Good Friday do we see in the materials of this sign? What does this miracle show us about the reason and purpose for Jesus being here?

3. Read Ezekiel 16:1–14. How is Israel pictured by the prophet? What has the Lord done for her?

Continue with Ezekiel 16:15–19, 33–34. What did Israel do? How did she behave?

4. What is going to happen to Israel? See Ezekiel 16:35–39. How will the Lord deal with Israel after all this? See Ezekiel 16:60–63. What does this say about how He loves her?

5. Read Hosea 1:1–2. What does the Lord ask Hosea to do? What does this illustrate? Now read Hosea 2:14–20. What will the Lord do for Israel? How would you describe the Lord’s love for Israel in the Old Testament?

6. Read Ephesians 5:22–33. How does the church relate to Jesus? How should a wife relate to her husband? How should a husband love his wife? How has Jesus loved the church?

7. What do you notice about how the bride is described in the Old Testament versus in the New? What is the difference in the way we see her (or the way she sees herself or the Lord sees her)?

8. Read Revelation 19:6–9. What is pictured on the Last Day? How does the church see herself now?

How does Christ see her? How is she in reality?

9. How might the picture of Christ and His bride the church change our image of what the Last Day will be like?

Closing Sing together “Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise,” (LSB #680) © 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“The End Times:AStill All About Jesus” HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction The purpose of this study is to give the youth additional examples of how a good grasp of hermeneutical principles (the methods we use to interpret the Bible) is vital to rightly understanding the Scriptures, and also to offer encouragement when thinking ahead to the end of all things and to remind them that Jesus is at the center of the entirety of the Bible: OT and NT. 1. Read Revelation 20:1-6. Is it easy to understand why someone might mistakenly read this passage literally or like a cut and dry news account? Take a look back at Revelation 19:11-21. Why does the context (reading before) of Revelation 20 make it more difficult to misunderstand the passage? What are a few examples of very colorful symbolism?

Explain that literally reading a passage is like reading a newspaper account. Encourage the youth to give specific examples, e.g., dragon, ancient serpent, horse named Faithful and True, robe dripping with blood, etc. Ask them what comes to mind when they read John’s words in these chapters. Explain that Revelation is apocalyptic in nature. It isn’t intended to be some sort of manual or road map for the end times.

2. Another reference to a thousand years we find in the Scriptures is in 2 Peter 3:1-10, particularly verse 8. What is the purpose of Peter’s words? Does this have anything to do with the millennium?

While the passage does address some of the events/happenings of the end times, its purpose is to encourage believers that God isn’t bound by time as we are. It can be tempting to think He has forgotten the plight of His people, or that He is slow to act, but He has His plan of redemption all figured out. A specific measure of time like a thousand years is not what we should be focused on. Emphasize the importance of context when examining a passage.

3. The article references Bible passages sometimes having two perspectives or fulfillments, one that is more immediate and one that is more distant. One of the clearest places to see this is in the OT book of Joel. In the first part of the book, Joel deals with the immediacy of the locust plague with which the nation of Israel must contend. By the time he reaches Joel 2:28-29, what do you think he is foretelling? See Acts 2:1-21 for an explanation.

Joel has moved to speaking of Pentecost. Point out that Peter makes it easy for his audience and now us, the readers, to make the connection. Remind them how familiar the Apostles must have been with the Old Testament to be able to point out all of the incidences of fulfilled prophecy. Point out also that, as the Apostle says, this prophecy is really about the preaching of Jesus, not just some “end times” scare tactic.

4. The author credited St. Augustine with the insight: The New in the Old concealed, the Old in the New revealed.” The New Testament’s insights into the Old Testament are pivotal to a correct understanding of the Bible. John, in his Gospel, is well-known for noting this. Read the following pairs of Scripture references: John 12:14-16 / Zechariah 9:9, John 12:38 / Isaiah 53:1, and John 19:36 / Psalm 34:20. How do John’s words help clarify the OT references?

John sought to demonstrate how Jesus is the promised Messiah by referring back to numerous passages in the Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament). Those references included in this study are just the tip of the iceberg.

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

5. Just as the author points out, the Old Testament is packed with types or shadows—things that point ahead to something greater. Read Isaiah 9:1-7, 11:1-10. How is this a type and what is the greater fulfillment it is pointing toward? Read Matthew 2:23, Luke 1:26-33 and Acts 2:25-31.

The main emphasis here is that David, instrumental as he was in the history of Israel was a shadow or type of the Messiah. Remind the youth that the type must never overshadow that to which it is pointing.

6. Another very significant type/shadow connection in the Scriptures features the priest, Melchizedek, who meets up with Abraham in Genesis. After reading the account in Genesis 14:17-20, check out Hebrews 7. What’s the connection?

Explain that Melchizedek was a real person in history who blessed Abraham (note the bread and wine… also a type), yet his ultimate purpose was to point ahead to the high priesthood of Christ, through whom all of Abraham’s descendants (that’s us) will be blessed. It’s all about Jesus!

7. As baptized children of God, how are we to look at the end times? Read John 14. How did Jesus comfort His disciples when He told them He would soon be leaving? What did Jesus tell His disciples (followers) in Matthew 28:20, after He gave the Great Commission?

Answers should center around the idea that we know Jesus is coming again, just as He promises and that in the meantime, He has sent the Comforter…the Holy Spirit, He is preparing a place for us and that He is with us always through water, Word, Body and Blood. When it comes to the end of all things, He’s got this!

Closing Read of Revelation 21:1-5 and sing together “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers.” (LSB 515, st. 4)

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“The End Times:AStill All About Jesus” HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Read Revelation 20:1-6. Is it easy to understand why someone might mistakenly read this passage literally or like a cut and dry news account? Take a look back at Revelation 19:11-21. Why does the context (reading before) of Revelation 20 make it more difficult to misunderstand the passage? What are a few examples of very colorful symbolism?

2. Another reference to a thousand years we find in the Scriptures is in 2 Peter 3:1-10, particularly verse 8. What is the purpose of Peter’s words? Does this have anything to do with the millennium?

3. The article references Bible passages sometimes having two perspectives or fulfillments, one that is more immediate and one that is more distant. One of the clearest places to see this is in the OT book of Joel. In the first part of the book, Joel deals with the immediacy of the locust plague with which the nation of Israel must contend. By the time he reaches Joel 2:28-29, what do you think he is foretelling? See Acts 2:1-21 for an explanation.

4. The author credited St. Augustine with the insight: The New in the Old concealed, the Old in the New revealed.” The New Testament’s insights into the Old Testament are pivotal to a correct understanding of the Bible. John, in his Gospel, is well-known for noting this. Read the following pairs of Scripture references: John 12:14-16 / Zechariah 9:9, John 12:38 / Isaiah 53:1, and John 19:36 / Psalm 34:20. How do John’s words help clarify the OT references?

5. Just as the author points out, the Old Testament is packed with types or shadows—things that point ahead to something greater. Read Isaiah 9:1-7, 11:1-10. How is this a type and what is the greater fulfillment it is pointing toward? Read Matthew 2:23, Luke 1:26-33 and Acts 2:25-31.

6. Another very significant type/shadow connection in the Scriptures features the priest, Melchizedek, who meets up with Abraham in Genesis. After reading the account in Genesis 14:17-20, check out Hebrews 7. What’s the connection?

7. As baptized children of God, how are we to look at the end times? Read John 14. How did Jesus comfort His disciples when He told them He would soon be leaving? What did Jesus tell His disciples (followers) in Matthew 28:20, after He gave the Great Commission?

Closing Read of Revelation 21:1-5 and sing together “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers,” (LSB 515, st. 4).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“Judgment Day: You’re Ready” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction The article “Judgment Day: You’re Ready,” references Mark 13:32, in which Jesus says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This Bible study is a closer look at the context of Jesus’ saying, and the signs of Jesus’ return on the Last Day. 1. Scan Mark 11-12. In the wider context of the Gospel’s narrative of Jesus’ ministry, when does Jesus’ speech about Judgment Day occur? What is the setting of this particular teaching, according to Mark 13:3?

Mark 11 begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The teaching on the Last Day occurs during Jesus’ last days before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Every day during Holy Week, Jesus spends the day in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple, and at night He exits the city. Jesus and His disciples have exited the temple for the day and now sit alone on the Mount of Olives.

2. In Mark 13:3-13, what are some of the signs that the age is coming to a close? Have any of these already happened? To what does Jesus compare these signs, and what does that tell us about the signs of the end of the age?

The signs are wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, etc. Let the youth name them off from the text and discuss that these signs have happened since the time of Jesus and still happen today around the world. Jesus compares these signs to labor pains. But just as a woman in labor doesn’t have only one contraction, but many that intensify, so also will each age from the time of Jesus’ Ascension until His return experience these signs. But, Jesus says, “The end is not yet” (v. 7).

3. What must first happen before the end of the age (v. 10)? How will the world react to this? What is the comfort and the hope that a Christian has when these things begin to happen?

The Gospel must first be preached to all nations. The world will fight vehemently against it, however. The Christians’ comfort is that the Holy Spirit is with them even in the middle of adversity, and their hope is that after patient endurance comes salvation.

4. The next section, Mark 13:14-23 is a bit more cryptic. As the readers, we’re supposed to understand this veiled speech (v. 14). Do you have any guesses to what Jesus is talking about? If you need a hint, check out Mark 13:1-2 and Google what important thing happened in the year 70 AD. The destruction of the temple and the sacking of Jerusalem by the Romans is the nearer event that Jesus is foretelling. A report of this by a historian by the name of Josephus confirms that the things that Jesus said would happen actually happened. The Romans desecrated the temple, laid siege on Jerusalem, and caused a great deal of suffering. If you or your pastor has a copy of Walther’s Hymnal from Concordia Publishing House, you can find the account there, or search online for more information.

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Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

5. Following that tribulation there will be more signs (Mark 13:24-27). What are those signs, and what will follow?

The signs that follow are eclipses, falling stars and meteor showers, and other heavenly phenomena.

Following the signs will be the return of Jesus. But these things happen all of the time, and Jesus has not come yet. Jesus gives the signs of the destruction of Jerusalem, which are confirmed by history, so that the signs that we continue to see ought to always remind us that Jesus is returning.

6. The lesson of the fig tree is to be prepared for the end of this present age. How are you prepared to endure the end of this age and to enter the coming age, according to Mark 13:31?

The destruction of the temple and Jerusalem is a small picture of the destruction of the entire earth when Jesus returns again. Just as the message of the death and resurrection of Jesus went out from Jerusalem into all the world, and thus endured the destruction, so also will the Word of Christ endure the end of this present age and enter into the coming age. All who have this Word will likewise endure the present sufferings and be delivered into the coming salvation. You are prepared by having the Word of Jesus, the knowledge of His death and resurrection, and the promise of forgiveness.

7. Finally, Jesus exhorts His disciples to stay awake, because even He does not know the day or the hour of His return. How does a Christian stay awake, according to Ephesians 5:1-21?

To awaken is a metaphor for resurrection. Staying awake is living the new life in Christ. It is a baptismal gift, when your old self is put to death, and a new creation is awakened and raised from death. St. Paul outlines some characteristics of staying awake, but they can be summarized by the two great commandments: Love God and love your neighbor.

In conclusion, the signs of the end of the age are not a cause for fear and despair, but a reminder to let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, to love your neighbors, and to renew your hope in the salvation that Jesus won for you at the cross, and will bring with Him when He returns again.

Closing Sing together Lutheran Service Book #513 and the following prayer: “O Lord God, keep us steadfast in Your Word until you come again. In Jesus’ + name. Amen.”

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“Judgment Day: You’re Ready” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Scan Mark 11-12. In the wider context of the Gospel’s narrative of Jesus’ ministry, when does Jesus’ speech about Judgment Day occur? What is the setting of this particular teaching, according to Mark 13:3?

2. In Mark 13:3-13, what are some of the signs that the age is coming to a close? Have any of these already happened? To what does Jesus compare these signs, and what does that tell us about the signs of the end of the age?

3. What must first happen before the end of the age (v. 10)? How will the world react to this? What is the comfort and the hope that a Christian has when these things begin to happen?

4. The next section, Mark 13:14-23 is a bit more cryptic. As the readers, we’re supposed to understand this veiled speech (v. 14). Do you have any guesses to what Jesus is talking about? If you need a hint, check out Mark 13:1-2 and Google what important thing happened in the year 70 AD.

5. Following that tribulation there will be more signs (Mark 13:24-27). What are those signs, and what will follow?

6. The lesson of the fig tree is to be prepared for the end of this present age. How are you prepared to endure the end of this age and to enter the coming age, according to Mark 13:31?

7. Finally, Jesus exhorts His disciples to stay awake, because even He does not know the day or the hour of His return. How does a Christian stay awake, according to Ephesians 5:1-21?

Closing Sing together Lutheran Service Book #513 and the following prayer: “O Lord God, keep us steadfast in Your Word until you come again. In Jesus’ + name. Amen.” © 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“The Fifth Commandment: The Gift of Life” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction The intent of this study is to remind all of us that we are commandment-breakers in every way but that we have a Savior who loves us, lived and died for us, fulfilled the Fifth Commandment for us, so that we might be Christ to others. You might start the study with asking the youth, “How many of you have broken the Fifth Commandment in the last week, the last month, the last year, in your lifetime?” You can use their answers to segue into the study.

1. Read Exodus 20:13 and compare that with Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:21-22. Also read through 1 John 3:15. What does it mean to murder?

The majority of people in this life do not commit actual murder (taking a life with malice and forethought) but we all are guilty of breaking the Fifth Commandment, nonetheless. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount teachings are not new or additional demands of the law. He intends that His disciples and others listening to understand highest demands of the Law in order to counter self-righteousness and drive home the need for a Savior. Jesus explains that when we hate our brother (neighbor) or wish he were dead it is as if we are murdering him. John echoes Jesus’ words in his letter. And if hate=murder, then we are all in serious trouble because we are all guilty!

2. Is there a difference between murder and killing someone? In what kind of circumstances does the Law allow for someone to kill another human being? Read Genesis 9:5-6, Psalm 82:4, Psalm 144:1 and Romans 13:4.

There are specific situations in which God permits us to take life. These include being under the orders of a government to defend our country (such as the vocation of soldier or police officer), carrying out capital punishment for someone who has committed murder and protecting a life (our own or that of another).

3. Read Deuteronomy 32:39, Job 33:4 and Nehemiah 9:6. Who has the power of life and death?

When we murder (yes, even hate our brother), what are declaring?

These verses, three of many, explain that it is God’s place alone to give and take life. He has declared that life has value because He has created it. When we take a life—when we murder another human being—we are declaring that we know better than God, essentially trying to make ourselves a god.

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Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

4. “You shall not murder” is not just saying “Do not unjustly take a life,” it’s declaring that we are to preserve life and seek to bless the life of our neighbor in every way that we can. Read through the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. How does Jesus’ teaching here illustrate this aspect of the Fifth commandment in action? Can we ever obey this commandment sufficiently?

The Good Samaritan, unlike the passersby before him, attended to the beaten Jew and saw that he was nursed back to health. He did this even though Jews at that time thought he as a Samaritan was lower than a dog. That strikes us as counterintuitive, that is, goes against what we are inclined to do in a particular situation. Of course the truth is, we are not able to obey the Fifth Commandment…not by a long shot. Jesus truly is our only hope. He is the perfect Good Samaritan—always looking out for our wellbeing.

5. Pastor Cwirla mentions Matthew 25:40, in explaining that when we seek to care for and preserve the life of our neighbor, we are serving Jesus. Read the entire passage in Matthew 25:31-46.

Of course we can never hope to adequately obey this commandment. However, Jesus reassures us that even the smallest things we do for our neighbor, we are doing unto Him. We are free to do this because He has so abundantly brought life and wellbeing to us. Point out also that when we are in Christ, even our smallest works are good in God's sight for Jesus' sake.

6. How does Jesus fulfill the Fifth Commandment on our behalf? Read John 10:10, John 14:6 and Galatians 2:20. How do these passages describe Jesus’ fulfillment?

Jesus has fulfilled the Fifth Commandment with every breath He has taken. Think about how it was the murder of an innocent man that Jesus was crucified. The Fifth Commandment plays a part in our salvation as Jesus suffers it and yet dies for our breaking it. Yet, He has always preserved life and, by taking our sin and making it His, dying on the cross and rising from the dead, He has brought us from death to life and He has done so abundantly. And every time we remember our baptism and partake of the Supper, we experience true life now and look forward to eternal life in Paradise.

Closing Sing together “The Tree of Life,” (LSB 561).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“The Fifth Commandment: The Gift of Life” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Read Exodus 20:13 and compare that with Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:21-22. Also read through 1 John 3:15. What does it mean to murder?

2. Is there a difference between murder and killing someone? In what kind of circumstances does the Law allow for someone to kill another human being? Read Genesis 9:5-6, Psalm 82:4, Psalm 144:1 and Romans 13:4.

3. Read Deuteronomy 32:39, Job 33:4 and Nehemiah 9:6. Who has the power of life and death?

When we murder (yes, even hate our brother), what are declaring?

4. “You shall not murder” is not just saying “Do not unjustly take a life,” it’s declaring that we are to preserve life and seek to bless the life of our neighbor in every way that we can. Read through the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. How does Jesus’ teaching here illustrate this aspect of the Fifth commandment in action? Can we ever obey this commandment sufficiently?

5. Pastor Cwirla mentions Matthew 25:40, in explaining that when we seek to care for and preserve the life of our neighbor, we are serving Jesus. Read the entire passage in Matthew 25:31-46.

6. How does Jesus fulfill the Fifth Commandment on our behalf? Read John 10:10, John 14:6 and Galatians 2:20. How do these passages describe Jesus’ fulfillment?

Closing Sing together “The Tree of Life,” (LSB 561).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“If You Love the End Times So Much WhyADon’t You Marry It?” HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction This Bible study will look at several New Testament references to the kingdom of God and Christ’s return as the celebration of a wedding feast. This image is used often to confess the truth that Jesus is the Bridegroom and the church is His Holy Bride. We are reminded that the “End Times” and the “Last Day” are not a day of doom and gloom for God’s people. Christ has prepared us, His church, as His holy bride, and when He returns it will be a celebration like no other!

1. What is the purpose of a wedding reception? What are your favorite things about a wedding reception?

Answers will vary. The purpose of this question is to get students thinking about the fun that happens at the celebration of a bride and groom’s marriage and to put them into a frame of mind thinking about a celebration, because that’s what the Last Day will be: a celebration of the marriage of the Lamb, Jesus to His bride, the church.

2. Read Revelation 19:6–10. Who is the Lamb’s bride? How is she prepared and dressed for Him? See also Ephesians 5:25–27.

The church is the bride of Christ. This image is seen in many places in the Scriptures. But the church is a Bride in a special way because it is her Bridegroom who has prepared her for the wedding Himself, by washing away her sins, making her spotless and clothing her with the wedding white of His own righteousness.

Read Matthew 22:1–14. The following questions examine that passage.

3. Who is the king and who is his Son? Who are the servants? To whom did the call go out for the wedding feast? Why do some not come? What happens to them?

The details of the parable are relatively plain considering the whole context of Christ and His bride. The King is God the Father, who prepares a wedding feast for His Son, Jesus. At first, the Lord sent His servants the prophets to announce that the feast was coming. This is a reference to the Old Testament children of Israel (the Jews of Jesus’ day). They were God’s chosen people. Yet, for various reasons, they rejected the Lord. This earned them God’s wrath as they did not want to be a part of His kingdom of grace. Later on (70 AD) the temple and Jerusalem would be destroyed. If the Jews do not believe in Jesus, they put themselves outside of God’s people.

4. When the first group of invitations is rejected, what command does the Lord give? Who are the servants here? Who are the ones brought in to the wedding feast? On what basis do the people get brought into the feast?

The sending of the servants to the highways to bring people in refers to the church of the New Testament.

The Apostles are sent to bring in everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. Everyone gets invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb. There is nothing in a person that makes them worthy or not. Good and bad alike are © 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

invited and brought. This teaches us that our presence at the wedding feast is a gift, not a place we have earned with the King.

5. What was wrong with the man who ended up being thrown out? Where do we get a wedding garment? What does the refusal to wear this garment signify? Who is it who prepares us and dresses us for this celebration? See Galatians 3:27.

It was customary for the one who threw a wedding feast to provide wedding garments for his guests. That this man did not have one indicates he was refusing the hospitality of the Lord. The wedding garment most simply points to the robe of Christ’s righteousness given in baptism. The refusal to wear it and his speechless response is a sign of unbelief. It is not our badness or goodness that gets us into the wedding feast; but unbelief, refusing the gifts of Christ, can get us tossed out. We can’t think ourselves to be worthy wedding guests apart from Jesus Himself who covers us and thereby prepares us for the party.

Read Matthew 23:1–13. The following questions refer to this passage.

6. What do the wise virgins (bridesmaids) have that the foolish ones do not? To what would this refer in our lives? What does it mean that they fell asleep?

The wise virgins brought oil for their lamps. To fall asleep means they died. In other words, they die before Jesus comes back. The oil could be seen as the Holy Spirit, faith, the forgiveness of sins–the gifts of Jesus that give light in the darkness.

7. Who is the bridegroom? What do the wise virgins say to the foolish? What happens to the foolish bridesmaids when they show up? What is the warning?

The Bridegroom is Jesus. When He returns, it will be for the wedding feast. The foolish virgins are those who brought no oil, faith, etc. In other words, they died in unbelief. On the Last Day, they cannot suddenly come in to the wedding feast. Again, it is Jesus who gives us the gifts which prepare us for His coming in glory. To despise them in unbelief would be very sad. After all, there is a wedding feast waiting for us when He comes on the Last Day! 8. Read John 2:1–11. What is the occasion? What happens and what does Jesus do? How does this sign point to the reality of His relationship with the church and the life to come?

Jesus’ first sign is a wedding miracle. And a good one! The party could die by running out of wine. So He makes more and plenty of it and the best kind. It’s a reminder that Jesus came to save His Bride, the church, and that when the scriptures show this illustration, it is a beautiful picture of His love for the church. To see the Last Day not as fire and brimstone but as a wedding celebration captures the joy and celebration that we’ll experience when our Bridegroom comes again. Just as when at a wedding reception, the guests wait for the arrival of the bride and groom, and when they get there, the party begins and the fun starts.

So it will be on the Last Day: an eternal feast and party with the Savior who loves us.

Closing Sing together, "Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying,” (LSB #516).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“If You Love the End Times So Much WhyADon’t You Marry It?” HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. What is the purpose of a wedding reception? What are your favorite things about a wedding reception?

2. Read Revelation 19:6–10. Who is the Lamb’s bride? How is she prepared and dressed for Him? See also Ephesians 5:25–27.

Read Matthew 22:1–14. The following questions examine that passage.

3. Who is the king and who is his Son? Who are the servants? To whom did the call go out for the wedding feast? Why do some not come? What happens to them?

4. When the first group of invitations is rejected, what command does the Lord give? Who are the servants here? Who are the ones brought in to the wedding feast? On what basis do the people get brought into the feast?

5. What was wrong with the man who ended up being thrown out? Where do we get a wedding garment? What does the refusal to wear this garment signify? Who is it who prepares us and dresses us for this celebration? See Galatians 3:27.

Read Matthew 23:1–13. The following questions refer to this passage.

6. What do the wise virgins (bridesmaids) have that the foolish ones do not? To what would this refer in our lives? What does it mean that they fell asleep?

7. Who is the bridegroom? What do the wise virgins say to the foolish? What happens to the foolish bridesmaids when they show up? What is the warning?

8. Read John 2:1–11. What is the occasion? What happens and what does Jesus do? How does this sign point to the reality of His relationship with the church and the life to come?

Closing Sing together, "Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying,” (LSB #516).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“Millennialitis and Its Rapture Fever” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction Premillennialism is the most prevalent belief about the last days in the modern evangelical church today. You can refer to the previous article “The Last Days: Still All About Jesus” to give a quick summary of the four views of the millennium. Pastor Kuhlman’s article and study focuses mainly on premillennialism. Among its teachings is the belief in a 7-year period of tribulation for the church during which the Antichrist rules. Sometime before, during or at the end of that 7 years (there are differing views as to when) believers in Christ will be raptured —taken up—leaving the rest of humanity behind, especially Jews, who will then have another chance to come to Christ. After that will follow Christ’s establishment of a literal thousand-year reign (millennium) on earth. Finally, there will be the Last Day, the Final Judgment when Satan will be cast into the lake of fire.

Historically, amillennialism—the view that there is not a literal thousand years but that the millennium encompasses the time between the Ascension and Christ’s Second Coming--has been the belief of the church.

Amillennialism is what is taught by God's Word.

1. Pastor Kuhlman compares premillennialism and the rapture that goes along with it to a disease of sorts. Why can this be a helpful illustration?

Answers will vary. A disease very often affects our most fundamental functions. Its symptoms can intrude on our feelings of wellbeing, our judgment, etc. A disease can often be fought and sometimes cured. There are preventive measures for some diseases, e.g. vaccines. All of these are appropriate when looking at how a false doctrine can lead you down a very dark path. Rev. Kuhlman doesn’t just describe this disease; he explains the cure.

2. What is main problem with having the disease of “millennialitis”?

It carries the risk of putting your focus on exactly what things will come in the future. Premillennialism really doesn't take into account that Christ died once for our sins and rose again, and will return once at the Last Day to make all things new. Millennialitis' main symptom is that it removes the comfort of Christ's salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and points our attention to future events as if we can predict them and avoid them ourselves.

3. What do the Scriptures say is the central teaching of Jesus and His Apostles? Read Matthew 1:21-23 and Acts 2:22-33, which are just a few of the many passages that lay this out. What were the Jews of Jesus’ day expecting with regard to His kingdom? Read the account of the triumphal entry and Jesus’ further explaining His kingdom in John 12:12-33.

Matthew says that “He will save His people from their sins.” Peter reminds us in Acts 2 that Jesus’ death and resurrection were planned beforehand (they were not a Plan B) and were foretold by the law and prophets in the OT. In other words, that is what the OT pointed to as the pinnacle or the climax of God’s plan of redemption and this is what we as Christians are to point back to as the central point.

The triumphal entry illustrates how the Jews were expecting their Messiah to be a ruler who would usher in an earthly/political kingdom and who would deliver them from the oppressive reign of the Romans.

Jesus explains what His true kingdom is…one of suffering, death and resurrection that brings new life.

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Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

4. Read Luke 24:13-53, the road to Emmaus passage and sending of the Apostles, where Jesus, the risen Lord, encourages His disciples to put their focus. What does Jesus say is the point of the Scriptures?

Again, Jesus has to explain the purpose of His kingdom and He does so by pointing His disciples to the entirety of the Scriptures (at that time, only the OT) that spell out that He was to suffer and be lifted up.

And why? “that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (v. 47). He doesn’t exhort them to wait for anything beyond the idea of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations. The point of the Scriptures is never that they be some sort of guide to current events placed in some context of the End of the World (as if we can predict when and where Jesus will come back) but to proclaim Christ the Savior of sinners who will indeed come back, not for an earthly kingdom, but to make all things new.

5. We see in Ephesians 2:13-22 particularly vv 19-22, an insight as to how God’s kingdom is being advanced. Where is the temple of the Lord to be found?

His kingdom is advanced through the preaching of the Gospel. We, the church, are the temple. The kingdom of God is found where Christ's church is: the preaching of the Gospel, the administration of the Sacraments, and those who believe in Jesus receiving those gifts.

6. One of the major tenets of premillennialism is the belief in a secret rapture, when all Christians will be taken up, potentially being spared the time of the tribulation—when things get really bad. The proof text that premillennialists go to is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. How does this passage show that it actually teaches the very opposite? Feel free to review Pastor Kuhlman’s response.

The day we are taken up is the very same Day as Jesus’ coming—the Last Day! And 1 Thessalonians says that it is no secret at all but in fact will be as obvious as a trumpet blast that splits the heavens! The idea of a “rapture” where Christians disappear from the earth is simply not biblical and has nothing to do with Christ's death, resurrection, ascension, or return.

7. According to Hebrews 12:1-2 on whom are we to focus? What verse tells us that Christ already reigns?

We are exhorted by the writer of Hebrews to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” not because we are looking forward to an earthly thousand-year reign, but because of what He has already done—conquered sin, death and the devil. Of course we ache for His Second Coming, the resurrection of the body and the new heavens and new earth, but those are the finishing touches of what He already accomplished on the Cross and through our Holy Baptism into Him. According v. 2, Jesus is already seated at the right hand of the Father…a position of kingship and authority.

Closing Sing together, “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty,” (LSB 441).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“Millennialitis and Its Rapture Fever” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Pastor Kuhlman compares premillennialism and the rapture that goes along with it to a disease of sorts. Why can this be a helpful illustration?

2. What is main problem with having the disease of “millennialitis”?

3. What do the Scriptures say is the central teaching of Jesus and His Apostles? Read Matthew 1:21-23 and Acts 2:22-33, which are just a few of the many passages that lay this out. What were the Jews of Jesus’ day expecting with regard to His kingdom? Read the account of the triumphal entry and Jesus’ further explaining His kingdom in John 12:12-33.

4. Read Luke 24:13-53, the road to Emmaus passage and sending of the Apostles, where Jesus, the risen Lord, encourages His disciples to put their focus. What does Jesus say is the point of the Scriptures?

5. We see in Ephesians 2:13-22 particularly vv 19-22, an insight as to how God’s kingdom is being advanced. Where is the temple of the Lord to be found?

6. One of the major tenets of premillennialism is the belief in a secret rapture, when all Christians will be taken up, potentially being spared the time of the tribulation—when things get really bad. The proof text that premillennialists go to is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. How does this passage show that it actually teaches the very opposite? Feel free to review Pastor Kuhlman’s response.

7. According to Hebrews 12:1-2 on whom are we to focus? What verse tells us that Christ already reigns?

Closing Sing together, “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty,” (LSB 441).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“A Narnian Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Opening Prayer “Come, then, O Lord Jesus, From our sins release us. Keep our hearts believing, That we, grace receiving, Ever may confess You Till in heav’n we bless You.” (“Once He Came in Blessing” LSB 333, st. 4) 1. What are some examples of End Times hysteria in our surrounding culture or in many Christian churches in recent times?

Answers may vary on this questions depending on how closely the participants follow End Times teaching in other Christian churches, the surrounding society, or pop-culture. In general, some of the common examples lately, within Christian churches at least, comes from material like the ‘Left Behind’ books and movies. In pop-culture, movies and books that fictionalize some aspect of the end of the world are extremely popular and usually make big money in the box office (e.g. Independence Day, Transformer Movies, Hunger Games, Divergent series, etc.).

2. Why do you think movies, books, discussions, video games, etc. about the end of the world are so popular?

Money is obviously a major motivating factor. Fear is good for selling anything, especially entertainment.

It is also popular because it is entertaining; sometimes the stories told are compelling and cause us to think or awaken our imagination. Whether viewers acknowledge this or not, there is something to be said for the fact that an emphasis on the end times does reveal our desire to know what will happen, and that we expect the end of the world to look a certain way. Of course, Scripture will teach us how to correctly view this. But these kinds of trends in pop-culture can be revealing in what people think and how they approach the common questions of life and death.

3. Many people, Christians included, have tried to predict the date of Jesus’ second coming. Why is this foolish? What does Jesus say about when he will return in glory? Read Matthew 25:36-41.

Knowing that we don’t know when Jesus will return, how then do we live as Christians in the Last Days?

Read Matthew 25:42-44.

4. What signs of the End Times do we see around us now? Read Matthew 25:3-8. How are these signs Law? How can the signs of the Last Day be a comfort in the Gospel as well? Read Matthew 25:32-34.

Jesus promised that we would see wars and hear rumors of war, earthquakes, famine, etc. Since His death and resurrection we have been in the Last Days and the constant signs serve as an ever-present reminder that His return is imminent. He is at the very gates, as He has promised. One the one hand, these end times signs cause us to repent in the face of judgment. And yet, on the other hand, we look forward to and anticipate Jesus’ return in glory, knowing that Jesus has already been judged for us on the cross. When we see these signs we can take heart, for our redemption is drawing near.

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

5. Ultimately, Jesus’ teaching of the End Times is meant to be a doctrine of comfort for his baptized children. What comfort and consolation is given in the following passages? Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Peter 3:1-13 and Revelation 21:1-7.

In 1 Thessalonians Paul teaches us that no one will be left behind and that we need not despair even in our grief. We grieve, certainly, but not as others do who have no hope. In Jesus we have a living hope through his resurrection, which is the guarantee of our own resurrection from the dead as well. In 2 Peter 3, we are taught that the Lord is patient and hence delays the Last Day so that more people might repent and hear the Good News and thus be saved. Peter also gives us a glimpse of hope in the new heavens and new earth which is our home of righteousness, that is, where Jesus is and we are with him. St. John’s Revelation was written, in large part, to provide comfort and consolation for Christians who were facing persecution. He gives us a glimpse of the way things are in heaven now and will be when Jesus comes again so that in the midst of trials and suffering in this life we would not lose hope. Anyone teaching the book of Revelation that fails to focus primarily on this comfort and consolation is missing one of the main points of this book. Among the many comforting words in Revelation, is this passage in chapter 21 where John reminds us that the dwelling place of God is with man. This is true in Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, but it is also true in His ascension and in heaven. It is in His presence that finally we will be without sin, death, and all evil that plagues us, for Jesus is the one who makes all things new for us. This is true, and our promise, even as we struggle in our daily life here in the Last Days.

6. Even as we wait for Jesus’ second coming, how is He with us always in his Church just as he promised? Read Romans 6:1-11, John 20:19-23, and Matthew 26:26-28.

St. Paul draws our attention to the font and Holy Baptism where we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Jesus dies, we die. Jesus rises, and we too, rise in Him. Jesus is with us in our baptism daily just as He promised. In John 20, Jesus gives His church the gift of absolution, where He promises to be with us in the forgiveness of sins that goes out from the mouth of His called and ordained servants of the Word.

The same Holy Spirit that breathed life into Adam now is breathed onto Jesus’ disciples, and to his whole church. This breath is life, much like the dry bones in Ezekiel 37. Matthew records Jesus’ final words to His disciples before His ascension. His promise to be with us always is good and true because He died and rose again for us. And so by His Word, Holy Baptism, Absolution, and Supper, He is with us even as we wait for His second coming in glory. The best way to be prepared for the End Times is to continue in receiving our Lord’s Word, water, Body and Blood in His church.

7. How can good stories about the End Times, like C.S. Lewis’s The Last Battle, be a helpful teacher in pointing us to Christ’s promises in the End Times? Can you think of any other stories that offer similar words or examples of such comfort?

Answers may vary depending on what stories participants have read and how well they are able to connect those examples in the imagination to the real world events. In Lewis’s case, it is clear that he is trying to give the reader an imaginative and illustrative “repainting” of Scripture’s teaching on the Last Day, only set in his world of Narnia. By doing this he helps us see more clearly what Scripture says by showing us the same teaching in a different way. Stories are powerful mediums for communicating mysterious or abstract thoughts; they have a way of making them concrete and less confusing. The best stories, like The Last Battle, have a way of pointing us to Christ that is both comforting and beautiful, in addition to reflecting the truth we hear in Scripture.

Closing “Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” (Collect for the Last Sunday of the Church Year, Series B) © 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“A Narnian Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Opening Prayer “Come, then, O Lord Jesus, From our sins release us. Keep our hearts believing, That we, grace receiving, Ever may confess You Till in heav’n we bless You.” (“Once He Came in Blessing” LSB 333, st. 4) 1. What are some examples of End Times hysteria in our surrounding culture or in many Christian churches in recent times?

2. Why do you think movies, books, discussions, video games, etc. about the end of the world are so popular?

3. Many people, Christians included, have tried to predict the date of Jesus’ second coming. Why is this foolish? What does Jesus say about when he will return in glory? Read Matthew 25:36-41.

4. What signs of the End Times do we see around us now? Read Matthew 25:3-8. How are these signs Law? How can the signs of the Last Day be a comfort in the Gospel as well? Read Matthew 25:32-34.

5. Ultimately, Jesus’ teaching of the End Times is meant to be a doctrine of comfort for his baptized children. What comfort and consolation is given in the following passages? Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Peter 3:1-13 and Revelation 21:1-7.

6. Even as we wait for Jesus’ second coming, how is He with us always in his Church just as he promised? Read Romans 6:1-11, John 20:19-23, and Matthew 26:26-28.

7. How can good stories about the End Times, like C.S. Lewis’s The Last Battle, be a helpful teacher in pointing us to Christ’s promises in the End Times? Can you think of any other stories that offer similar words or examples of such comfort?

Closing “Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” (Collect for the Last Sunday of the Church Year, Series B)

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“A New Heaven and A New Earth” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction We seem to most often associate life after death with “going to heaven.” In fact, the Bible doesn’t say that we “go to heaven.” The focus of God’s Word is always on the new heavens and the new earth and the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. This study will help clarify what the Lord teaches about what happens and “where we go” when we die. The emphasis is on the bodily resurrection and a life which never ends.

1. What do you think it means to die and “go to heaven?” Why do we use this way of speaking? What do people think heaven is?

Answers will vary but may include some variation on souls floating around on clouds with golden harps or something. Point out that most of what we typically picture as “heaven” is less about what God’s Word teaches and more about popular impressions or imagination.

2. Read Genesis 1:1. What did God make? What does this include? Now read Revelation 21:1. What happens to the heaven and earth on the Last Day? With what are they replaced? What do you think that might be like?

God made a physical universe. When the End comes, the heaven and earth that we know now (the universe) will pass away and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. But that means it will be a material creation, too. That is, eternal life is not just a ghostly or spiritual existence. It’s a physical existence. This is why we confess the resurrection of the BODY. 3. Sometimes people think that when we die, our bodies don’t matter anymore. Read John 20:26–29; 21:1–14. In what ways does Jesus show that not only is He alive, but He is still a human being with a body, not just a ghost or spirit? What does this suggest about our resurrection?

Jesus rose bodily from the dead. His hands and side bore the marks of the nails and the spear. He ate food.

This was no ghost or spirit but still Jesus. Just so, when we are raised, we will have bodies. Our bodies will be raised to new life and there will be no more death.

4. Read Luke 23:39–43. What does Jesus say is going to happen to the thief when he dies? Now read Philippians 1:21–23. What is Paul’s desire? Who is with us when we die?

These scriptures are examples which teach us that when we die we are with Jesus. When we die we are with the Lord. Note there is no specific detail about how that occurs. Jesus just simply says it is so. We must be careful to talk about our soul being with Jesus while our bodies are in the ground. For the Lord, it doesn’t matter; He is not bound by time as we are.

5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35–49. What happens to our bodies when we die? What is raised on the Last Day? What does “spiritual” mean versus “natural?”

When we die, our natural bodies are buried. Natural refers to the body that is born in this world into sin and death. That body perished but a new body is raised up on the Last Day. That new body is “spiritual,” that is, it is raised by the Spirit, similar to how the Spirit breathed life into Adam (see Genesis 2). It’s not that one is “physical” and another is “not-physical.” It’s that the body that is buried is subject to death and the body that is raised is raised by the Spirit and cannot die anymore.

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

6. Read Ezekiel 37:1–14. What might the resurrection of the dead look like on the Last Day? How is this accomplished?

The vision Ezekiel has of the resurrection of the dry bones is perhaps the closest we have in the Bible of what the resurrection is going to “look like.” The vision reminds us that it will indeed be a physical resurrection. Bones. Muscles. Flesh. Bodies. Note that this happens through the Word. It is the Word that speaks life into us and that causes our bodies to be raised from the dead.

7. Are we with the Lord when we die? Are we waiting for our bodies to be raised from the dead? Which is it? For something of a hint how to answer, see Luke 20:27–38. What does Jesus teach us about those who have died?

When we die we are with Jesus. When we die, we are awaiting the resurrection. Perhaps the clearest way to say it is that we are “with Jesus in the resurrection.” His discussion with the Sadducees suggests that, for the Lord, the resurrection is already here. That is, it is with Jesus. From our perspective, bound by time, there is the burial of our bodies and their being raised on the Last Day. From Jesus’ perspective, we are with Him because He is the resurrection and the Life.

8. Where does the Lord place the man and woman after He creates them in Genesis 2:8–9? What does the Apostle see in His vision in Revelation 2:7; 22:1–5? What is a better word for this than “heaven?”

The Greek translation of “garden” in Genesis 2:8 is literally “paradise.” That is where the Tree of Life is. So we see it again at the End of Time and the beginning of Eternity. The Tree of Life is there. That points to Jesus whose death on the tree for sinners means exactly what He told the thief: we will be with Him in paradise.

Paradise means a beautiful, physical creation that God has created for our use and blessing and joy. It is there that Jesus Himself will be with us. Remind students that Jesus became man; that He died and rose and is still a man, a human being, with a body. Rather than say we “go to heaven,” it’s more accurate and better confesses what we believe by saying that when we die we are with Jesus in the resurrection. That our bodies are raised and we live forever in Paradise. That we have everlasting life in the new creation.

9. What is the implication for us of what Jesus says in Matthew 24:35? What is the connection between our life in this world and body and the resurrection and life to come?

Death will destroy the bodies we have now. There is the promise of the resurrection. When this creation passes away there will be a new creation. A physical universe but without sin and death. We might presume that since we are a part of THIS universe, we, too, will pass away. But Jesus’ words never pass away. Therefore, we cannot pass away. We die and are raised by the Words of Jesus. This is the promise of His Word and the water in Baptism; His Word preached and that delivers absolution; His Word that gives us His Body and Blood (which includes the promise that He will raise us up on the Last Day). In other words, even though we die, we will live. In our bodies. A real body. A physical resurrection. This is what we believe and confess, just as Jesus really died and was really alive the third day.

Closing Sing together “Jerusalem the Golden,” (LSB 672).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“A New Heaven and A New Earth” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. What do you think it means to die and “go to heaven?” Why do we use this way of speaking? What do people think heaven is?

2. Read Genesis 1:1. What did God make? What does this include? Now read Revelation 21:1. What happens to the heaven and earth on the Last Day? With what are they replaced? What do you think that might be like?

3. Sometimes people think that when we die, our bodies don’t matter anymore. Read John 20:26–29; 21:1–14. In what ways does Jesus show that not only is He alive, but He is still a human being with a body, not just a ghost or spirit? What does this suggest about our resurrection?

4. Read Luke 23:39–43. What does Jesus say is going to happen to the thief when he dies? Now read Philippians 1:21–23. What is Paul’s desire? Who is with us when we die?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35–49. What happens to our bodies when we die? What is raised on the Last Day? What does “spiritual” mean versus “natural?”

6. Read Ezekiel 37:1–14. What might the resurrection of the dead look like on the Last Day? How is this accomplished?

7. Are we with the Lord when we die? Are we waiting for our bodies to be raised from the dead? Which is it? For something of a hint how to answer, see Luke 20:27–38. What does Jesus teach us about those who have died?

8. Where does the Lord place the man and woman after He creates them in Genesis 2:8–9? What does the Apostle see in His vision in Revelation 2:7; 22:1–5? What is a better word for this than “heaven?”

9. What is the implication for us of what Jesus says in Matthew 24:35? What is the connection between our life in this world and body and the resurrection and life to come?

Closing Sing together “Jerusalem the Golden,” (LSB 672).

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“Teach Us AtoHIGHER Number Our Days” THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction The title of this Bible study, and the article on which it is based, comes from a line in Psalm 90. Psalm 90 is the only psalm attributed to Moses. It serves a twofold purpose: first, to show the severity of sin and the inability of the Law to do anything other than kill a sinner; and second, as a prayer for mercy that looks to Christ as the remedy for death. This Bible study will examine Psalm 90 as a turning point from the Law of Moses to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.

1. As a group, read through the entirety of Psalm 90. Who is the author of the psalm? What is this author best known for (see Exodus 20:1-21; Romans 10:5).

Moses is the author of Psalm 90 and is called a “man of God.” This means that Moses is a man sent from God (see also John 1:6). He was sent for a particular task. Moses is best known as the Law-giver. Not only the Ten Commandments, but the entire Jewish social and ceremonial Law was given by the ministry of Moses.

As St. Paul says in Romans 10:5, this ministry is able to give life, but only to the one who is righteous.

2. After reading the entire Psalm, how would you describe its main theme? What does this tell us about the ministry of Moses? See also 2 Corinthians 3:7-11.

Psalm 90 is a lament about death. It begins by contrasting God in His eternity to man’s mortality. We are returned to dust, swept away like a flood, we come to an end. This is the ministry of Moses, the ministry of the Law. St. Paul says it more explicitly: The ministry of the Law is a ministry of death. Psalm 90 is a necessary commentary on the Law of Moses. Martin Luther writes, “But in this psalm the inspired Moses speaks of death in a far different manner. He proceeds, to begin with, to magnify in the greatest possible degree the meaning of death and all other miseries of this life. In this matter he is, in keeping with his calling, a lawgiver, Moses at his most Mosaic, that is, a stern minister of death, God’s wrath, and sin. In a magnificent manner, therefore, he performs the ministry of the Law; he depicts death in the most repulsive colors and in this way demonstrates that God’s wrath is the cause of our death. Yes, he shows that even before we die physically, we have been put to death and are overwhelmed with dreadful miseries.”

3. What does Moses say is the cause of our death in Psalm 90:3-11?

God’s anger and wrath on account of our sins is the cause of our death. He is the One who returns man to dust, who sweeps him away like a flood.

4. There is then a turning point in Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days.” How does the nature of Psalm 90 change after this verse? (Hint: check the title of the Psalm again.)

The first part of Psalm 90 is a lament over death and a preaching of God’s wrath in order to terrify hardened hearts and reveal the severity of even the smallest sins. But verse 12 is a turning point to a prayer for God’s mercy and a remedy for sin and death. Psalm 90 is titled, “A Prayer of Moses,” rather than a psalm.

It indicates that God’s wrath and the Law’s condemnation unto death is not the final word. There is more to come.

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

5. God’s wrath is certainly clear, but can you identify any Good News, or Gospel, in Psalm 90? See also John 1:17, 45; Luke 24:27; John 5:46.

While the Law and God’s wrath are certainly explicit in Psalm 90, the Gospel is more implicit. In the prayer portion of the psalm, Moses rests on God’s pity (v 13), His steadfast love (v 14), and His work outlasting our afflictions (vv 15-16). The prayer is for God’s underserved favor establishing our works (v 17), rather than our works establishing God’s favor. Moses speaks of God’s wrath, but he also testifies of Christ.

6. The second part of Psalm 90 is a prayer that God would provide a remedy for death. How does God provide the remedy from His own wrath? See Romans 5:1-11.

The wrath of God is satisfied by the blood that Jesus shed. Jesus suffered the punishment for us. This is a mystery of the Holy Trinity, that God suffers His own wrath. And by His death, He destroys the power of death. Because Christ suffered, no longer is death a punishment for sin, but the means by which God effects a new creation.

Commenting on Psalm 90 Martin Luther writes, “The voice of the Law terrifies because it dins into the ears of strong sinners the theme: ‘In the midst of earthly life, snares of death surround us.’ But the voice of the Gospel cheers the terrified sinner with its song: ‘In the midst of certain death, life in Christ is ours.’”

Closing Read again Psalm 90 in its entirety, and then sing (or speak) Lutheran Service Book # 755, and the Collect “Hope of eternal life in Christ” on pg. 313.

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“Teach Us AtoHIGHER Number Our Days” THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. As a group, read through the entirety of Psalm 90. Who is the author of the psalm? What is this author best known for (see Exodus 20:1-21; Romans 10:5).

2. After reading the entire Psalm, how would you describe its main theme? What does this tell us about the ministry of Moses? See also 2 Corinthians 3:7-11.

3. What does Moses say is the cause of our death in Psalm 90:3-11?

4. There is then a turning point in Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days.” How does the nature of Psalm 90 change after this verse? (Hint: check the title of the Psalm again.)

5. God’s wrath is certainly clear, but can you identify any Good News, or Gospel, in Psalm 90? See also John 1:17, 45; Luke 24:27; John 5:46.

6. The second part of Psalm 90 is a prayer that God would provide a remedy for death. How does God provide the remedy from His own wrath? See Romans 5:1-11.

Closing Read again Psalm 90 in its entirety, and then sing (or speak) Lutheran Service Book # 755, and the Collect “Hope of eternal life in Christ” on pg. 313. © 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“Jesus: The Graves’ Sheol” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction “He is the Word of God made flesh,” writes Pastor Riley. “Jesus came into the world to ransom souls from Sheol.

He doesn’t just redeem the heavens and the earth on Calvary, but the graves of all the dead, too. Jesus’ shed blood and death even redeem Sheol from the power of sin.” This Bible study will examine the Rite of Committal from Lutheran Service Book: Agenda, p. 124-131 to see how the biblical texts and prayers that surround laying a Christian to rest in his grave confess the blessing of Sheol, or the grave, for those who trust in Christ. The Bible study leader may borrow the church’s or his pastor’s copy of the Agenda to make copies of the full service for the youth to follow. If you do not have access to an Agenda, this Bible study will provide the necessary texts.

1. The Rite of Committal is the set of readings, prayers, and blessings for a Christian and his grave at the time of death. It is the last earthly service the Church provides for a believer. As the funeral moves toward the graveside, a number of texts are read. Divide the following texts among your group: Media vita in morte sumus (“In the midst of life we are in death”; a 14th century hymn); Psalm 118; Psalm 130; Luke 2:29-32; Job 19:23-27; John 11:25-26; Psalm 16; Psalm 121. How do these texts prepare worshipers for what is about to happen in this service? How are they similar? Different?

The 14th century hymn Media vita in morte sumus is Latin for, “In the midst of life we are in death.” It’s the basis for Martin Luther’s hymn “In the Very Midst of Life,” (LSB 755). It reminds us that even while we live, death is always around us. Death is God’s judgment on sin, but that the same time we pray for His mercy—that we would not taste death forever. Each of the Psalms say in their own way that God is our refuge and our help in every danger and need. The readings from Luke, Job, and John remind us that death is not the final word for a Christian. Allow the youth to explore these texts and add to the conversation. Ask them if they’ve ever heard these said at a graveside service.

2. After the mourners arrive at the graveside, the grave is blessed with the following blessing: “O Lord Jesus Christ, by Your three-day rest in the tomb You hallowed the graves of all who believe in You, promising resurrection to our mortal bodies. Bless + this grave that the body of our [brother/sister] may sleep here in peace until You awaken [him/her] to glory, when [he/she] will see You face to face and know the splendor of the eternal God, for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” What does this blessing declare about the death of a Christian?

About the promise of the life to come? How is this blessing possible?

The grave blessing declares that death is simply a peaceful sleep for a Christian. The blessing of the grave is because the promise is that a Christian will also awake from sleep, and the life to come will be a life of glory—the work of God in us and for us will finally be fully revealed. It is a hope to see God face to face. The blessing of a grave is possible because Christ Himself rested in a tomb; He is the grave’s Sheol. Many graves have previously been blessed, such as a church cemetery, or a grave where a deceased spouse may already be laid to rest. In such a situation, and alternate prayer is offered by the Agenda, and the leader may highlight this option as well.

© 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

3. Following the blessing are four suggested readings: John 12:23-26; 1 Corinthians 15:42-49; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Read through these as a group and discuss each one. What is the context of the reading? What does the reading say about the grave? What does Jesus do for us in each reading?

The reading from John 12 is from Palm Sunday after Jesus rides into Jerusalem. He compares death and the grave to planting a seed in the earth. In a sense, the seed dies, being buried under the soil. But from that grave, the seed sprouts against to new life. Jesus’ glory is to suffer and die, and to be planted in the ground in order to rise again. This is the path He leads His followers on. Both of the readings from 1 Corinthians come from St. Paul’s chapter on the resurrection. In both cases, St. Paul speaks of the grave again as sowing a seed, also of a sleep. Jesus is the last Adam (man) who is a life-giving spirit. From the dust He will raise the dead to new life. This will happen in a moment, and the mortal will put on immortality.

Death is swallowed up in victory; Jesus is death’s Sheol. In 1 Thessalonians, St. Paul again speaks of death as sleeping. He encourages the Christians at Thessalonica that death does not prevent you from inclusion in Christ’s return, but is a necessary prerequisite, because Jesus Himself died and was raised.

4. If the Committal takes place apart from the main funeral service, the Apostles’ Creed is confessed after the readings. Otherwise it’s words echo back from the service that preceded it. How does the Apostles’ Creed confess the blessing of a Christian’s grave? (See Romans 6:1-11).

The Apostles’ Creed is the baptismal creed, and it unpacks the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Baptism unites us with Christ’s death; likewise with His resurrection. The Apostles’ Creed reminds us that our graves are connected with Christ’s grave, and His grave is empty. The Creed speaks of two future events: “From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead;” and, “I believe…in the resurrection of the body and the life + everlasting.” The resurrection of the body is a foundational belief of the Christian faith—not just Christ’s resurrection, but our own as well.

5. The committal and the blessing follows: “We now commit the body of our [brother/sister] [name] to [the ground/its resting place/the deep]; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subdue all things to Himself.” “May God the Father, who created this body; may God the + Son, who by His blood redeemed this body; may God the Holy Spirit, who by Holy Baptism sanctified this body to be His temple, keep these remains to the day of the resurrection of all flesh. Amen.” How do these blessings recall the Word of God just read?

Allow the youth to make connections between the blessings and the Scriptures just read. Note that there are different options for different places of committal. Though not widely used, a person may be “buried at sea,” or placed in a mausoleum (an above-ground tomb). Regardless of where our body’s final resting place is, the promises of the resurrection still hold true. Our resurrection is not dependent upon the mode or method of our burial, but on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Closing Pray together the Lord’s Prayer. Then pray as follows, “Almighty God, by the death of Your Son Jesus Christ You destroyed death, by His rest in the tomb You sanctified the graves of Your saints, and by His bodily resurrection You brought life and immortality to light so that all who die in Him abide in peace and hope. Receive our thanks for the victory over death and the grave that He won for us. Keep us in everlasting communion with all who wait for Him on earth and with all in heaven who are with Him, for He is the resurrection and the life, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

Sing “Abide with Me” (LSB 878, stz. 1 and 6). © 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016

“Jesus: The Graves’ Sheol” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. The Rite of Committal is the set of readings, prayers, and blessings for a Christian and his grave at the time of death. It is the last earthly service the Church provides for a believer. As the funeral moves toward the graveside, a number of texts are read. Divide the following texts among your group: Media vita in morte sumus (“In the midst of life we are in death”; a 14th century hymn); Psalm 118; Psalm 130; Luke 2:29-32; Job 19:23-27; John 11:25-26; Psalm 16; Psalm 121. How do these texts prepare worshipers for what is about to happen in this service? How are they similar? Different?

2. After the mourners arrive at the graveside, the grave is blessed with the following blessing: “O Lord Jesus Christ, by Your three-day rest in the tomb You hallowed the graves of all who believe in You, promising resurrection to our mortal bodies. Bless + this grave that the body of our [brother/sister] may sleep here in peace until You awaken [him/her] to glory, when [he/she] will see You face to face and know the splendor of the eternal God, for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” What does this blessing declare about the death of a Christian?

About the promise of the life to come? How is this blessing possible?

3. Following the blessing are four suggested readings: John 12:23-26; 1 Corinthians 15:42-49; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Read through these as a group and discuss each one. What is the context of the reading? What does the reading say about the grave? What does Jesus do for us in each reading?

4. If the Committal takes place apart from the main funeral service, the Apostles’ Creed is confessed after the readings. Otherwise it’s words echo back from the service that preceded it. How does the Apostles’ Creed confess the blessing of a Christian’s grave? (See Romans 6:1-11).

5. The committal and the blessing follows: “We now commit the body of our [brother/sister] [name] to [the ground/its resting place/the deep]; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subdue all things to Himself.” “May God the Father, who created this body; may God the + Son, who by His blood redeemed this body; may God the Holy Spirit, who by Holy Baptism sanctified this body to be His temple, keep these remains to the day of the resurrection of all flesh. Amen.” How do these blessings recall the Word of God just read?

Closing Pray together the Lord’s Prayer. Then pray as follows, “Almighty God, by the death of Your Son Jesus Christ You destroyed death, by His rest in the tomb You sanctified the graves of Your saints, and by His bodily resurrection You brought life and immortality to light so that all who die in Him abide in peace and hope. Receive our thanks for the victory over death and the grave that He won for us. Keep us in everlasting communion with all who wait for Him on earth and with all in heaven who are with Him, for He is the resurrection and the life, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.” Sing “Abide with Me” (LSB 878, stz. 1 and 6). © 2016 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Spring 2016