Welcome to Christ Lutheran Church
Divine Service 10:30 am
We provide a traditional LCMS service using the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) every Sunday morning at 10:30am central time, preceded by Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00am. If you are uncomfortable or unable to attend in person due to Covid-19, or other reasons, please join us online via Facebook Live. (Facebook account required.)
Activities
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- March 24 Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Dear brothers and sisters, beloved by God, we are about to enter into what is often called Holy Week. To the casual observer, Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover festival. As He arrived in the city, He was met by cheering crowds. They treated Jesus like royalty, praising Hm as a descendant of King David. They were aware of His miracles and authoritative teaching. So, they considered Him an agent of God sent to restore them. But what that restoration meant and how it would be achieved would not be what they expected. False accusations were made against Jesus. His own disciples would betray Him and deny Him. By Friday the crowds were calling for Jesus to be put to death. It is by that death that Jesus rescued you from the curse of sin. But there would be more. Jesus overcame death and rose from the grave on a Sunday, the first day of the week. By His death and resurrection Jesus has reconciled you to God and opened heaven to you. By Jesus’ death, you can have real life. I encourage you to schedule time this week to read the accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John regarding Jesus’ suffering and death, and consider what difference Jesus makes for you and your life. We will offer several worship opportunities to contemplate Jesus’ Passion.
There is no midweek service this Wednesday the 27th.
On the 28th, the Maundy Thursday service with communion will begin at 6:30.
On the 29th we will conduct two Good Friday Observations, one beginning at 12 noon, the other a Tenebrae service begins at 6 :30.
Easter Sunday includes breakfast at 9; Bible study at 9:30; egg hunt at 10; Resurrection Celebration at 10:30.
Let me know if you have any questions about this schedule.
Sunday, March 24th is Palm Sunday. We will continue to follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. The order of service intends to express the change in attitude that took place among many people during the first Holy Week, from joy to sober contemplation as they wait in hope for the day of resurrection.
Hymns chosen for the day are #443 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna; #444 No Tramp of Soldiers Marching Feet; #631 Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face; #440, Jesus I Will Ponder Now.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 31:9-16; Zechariah 9:9-12; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 11:1-10; and John 12:20-43.
Psalm 31 is indicated to be a psalm of David, intended for the choirmaster to use in worship. God has repeatedly demonstrated that He is faithful, defending David and His people. The psalm responds by expressing trust in God, and at the same time it asks Him for protection from both sin and human adversaries. It may have been written during the time David was being pursued by King Saul. The words of the psalm are also Messianic as they express the anguish of Jesus. As He was threatened by evil forces He would have called to God for protection. We will be chanting verses 9 to 16, which express the rejection Jesus faced leading to His crucifixion.
The Old Testament reading comes from the book of Zechariah. He was one of the last prophets recorded in the Old Testament. His name can be translated as ‘the LORD remembers’. Dates included in the prophecy indicate Zechariah received a series of apocalyptic visons and prophesied between 520-518 BC, among the years Jerusalem was being rebuilt following Judah’s return from exile in Babylon. In Chapter 9 God foretells a lasting peace ushered in by a king entering Jerusalem. Though it speaks of the future, the prophecy encourages people to rejoice, for when their King comes, their warfare is ended. The prophecy has fulfilment in the events of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. He came to bring an end to spiritual warfare, and to bring peace between God and mankind, and ultimately between the nations. The image of a king riding a donkey indicates humility. He doesn’t conquer by force. He will win by sacrifice and service. But note, this image is also messianic. When the king comes riding on a donkey, everyone should recognize God is keeping His promise. His Anointed One has arrived.
The epistle lesson (2:5-11) is a portion of St. Paul’s letter to the congregation in Philippi, northern Greece. Paul refers to the example of Jesus. Though He was God, he humbled Himself to born as one of us, and to become a servant for you and for all the world. He served by giving Himself as a sacrifice, substituting for you, dying in your place, and paying the punishment you deserved for your sin. Jesus was even willing to undergo an embarrassing execution as a criminal, so that you would be set free from the slavery of sin.
On Palm Sunday we will read from two gospel writers. We will begin the service by reading St. Marks account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, greeted by the cheers and praises of the crowds gathered for the Passover festival. They shout ‘Hosanna!’ a word originally meaning ‘save us’ which had become an expression of praise. We will also read from St. John’s account. Soon after Jesus entered into Jerusalem, He begins to talk to the crowds about His impending betrayal and death. He urges the people to ‘trust in the light’ and to become ‘sons of the light’ before ‘darkness’ overtakes them. This is still an urgent warning in our day. The devil still wants to destroy your soul. Jesus was lifted up, put to death, and raised from the dead that you would be a child of God.
COLLECT: Almighty, Gracious God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lenten Response: Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.
Let me know if you have any questions about Holy Week events or the Scripture readings for this Sunday. God bless you, Pastor Boster
- March 17
Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of our savior Jesus.
As a reminder, the Houston Lutheran Chorale will be performing this Sunday the 17th at Immanuel Lutheran Church (306 E 15th Street in the Heights) beginning at 4 pm. You are invited. Note: the parking lot of Immanuel is entered from Arlington Street.
Wednesday March 20th will be our last midweek service of the season. We intend to hold Good Friday services on the 29th at 12 noon, and 6:30 pm.
Sunday, March 17th is the fifth Sunday in Lent. We will continue to follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal.
Hymns chosen for the day are #435 Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #857 Lord Help Us Walk Your Servant Way; #620 Jesus Comes Today With Healing; #529 Since Our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 119:9-16; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:1-10; and Mark 10:35-45.
Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm, the verses in each section beginning with a subsequent letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verses 9 to 16 begin with ‘beth’, similar to our letter ‘b’. ‘Beth’ is also the Hebrew word for house. Psalm 119 is also a teaching psalm, in various ways praising the benefit of God’s ‘torah’. Often translated as ‘law’, the word includes instruction regarding God’s commands as well as His promises. Students in the ancient past would have memorized Psalm 119 as instruction regarding moral behavior and godly thought. In verses 9 to 16, the psalmist states his intent to study and keep God’s statutes and precepts. God’s instruction is a good thing. As sinners we are inclined to be disobedient and resent God’s instruction. We don’t like being told what to we can or cannot do. But as redeemed children of God, we find relief and comfort in God’s word which sets a hedge around us, keeping us from temptation. God’s Word is always good and wise. We pray that the Holy Spirit would enlighten us as we study and apply His word.
The Old Testament lesson is from Jeremiah 31. Jeremiah was a prophet with the unpopular task of telling the people of Judah to repent because God was bringing judgment against them. False teachers and false prophets were constantly undermining his message, and making his life miserable with ridicule and accusation. In the verses read Sunday, God speaks through the prophet promising two events. The first is a new covenant. It will not be like the old covenant of law, demands of obedience, and sacrifice as payment for sin. The ‘new’ covenant is actually a fulfillment of the first, as Jesus, perfectly obedient, fulfilling the demands and punishments of the law, becomes our substitute and is the final sacrifice that covers all our sin. It is not a covenant demanding works, but faith in Jesus. This “new” covenant is fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Verse 34 prophesies an end to instruction in the Law. This will take place on the Last Day when Jesus appears again. We won’t have to teach the word that points to Jesus, for every eye will behold Him. And our sin will be remembered no more.
The epistle lesson is from Hebrews 5. God is the author of all Scripture but there is debate as to who humanly wrote the Book of Hebrews. The author would have been familiar with Jewish history and traditions as connections between God and His people. The author uses this history and those traditions to show how Jesus is far superior to them, actually fulfilling them. Jesus is the one who gives us sinners full access to God. In the reading from Chapter 5, Jesus is shown to be superior to the High Priest. High Priests were descendants of Levi and were responsible for offering sacrifices of animals to atone for sin, including their own. Jesus is superior to all the High Priests of history, for he is sinless. Jesus is in the order of Melchizedek, a mysterious man who lived n the days of Abraham (see Genesis 14). Melchizedek (whose name translated means righteous king or king of righteousness) has an unknown beginning and an unknown end. He was not a descendant of Aaron or Levi, yet he was both a priest and a king of Salem (Jerusalem). Melchizedek blessed Abraham and received tithes from Abraham. Jesus as appointed by God to make the ultimate sacrifice, offering Himself on the altar of the cross, atoning for your sin and the sin of the world. Jesus was given once, and for all. God has forgiven your sin. Believe His promise. Obey Him by receiving the gifts He gives. There is no longer a necessity for sacrifice.
In the gospel reading from St. Mark’s account, Chapter 10, two disciples, James and John, ask Jesus to grant that they would sit next to Him in His glory. It is unclear what they meant by their request. They obviously loved Jesus and wanted to remain near to Him. But there is also a sense of greed and arrogance in their request. They seemed to be asking for better seats, to be first, or have greater recognition. Maybe they wanted to be in charge of the others, and have authority over them. That is at least how their fellow disciples interpreted the request. They were indignant that James and John should ask such a thing. Jesus turns the situation into a teaching moment. He reminds them all that being close to Him is not always going to be pleasant. It is likely to involve hardship and even death. Whoever wants to be considered great must have the heart of a servant, putting others before self. Jesus our Savior is the perfect example of such servanthood. He left heaven, endured the temptations and troubles of the world so that He could serve us by dying on our place, even if it included the humiliation of being executed as a criminal. Jesus gave His life as a ransom, paying with His blood, that you would be released from the control of the devil and the curse of death. With praise and thanksgiving we serve the Lord by serving our neighbor.
COLLECT: Almighty, Gracious God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lenten Response: Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- March 10
Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of our Savior, Jesus.
As you go to bed Saturday night be sure you have set your clocks ahead one hour so you can be on time for Bible class at 9 and worship at 10:30.
If you like Cantata music, then plan to attend a performance of the Houston Lutheran Chorale at Immanuel Lutheran Church (306 E 15th Street in the Heights) on Sunday March 17 beginning at 4 pm. Note: the parking lot of Immanuel is entered from Arlington Street.
Sunday, March 10th is the fourth Sunday in Lent. We will continue to follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. For example, during Lent we are omitting ‘Alleluias”, substitute Hymn 422 for the hymn of praise, and add a Lenten response before the reading of the Gospel lesson..
Hymns chosen for the day are #609 Lord Jesus Think On Me; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #571 God Loved the World So That He Gave; #627 Jesus Christ Our Blessed Savior; and #745 In God My Faithful God.
Scriptures we will be reading are Psalm 107:1-9; Numbers 21:4-9; Ephesians 2:1-10; and John 3:14-21.
Before the Third Century, students of the scriptures had divided the 150 Psalms into five collections or books. Each of these books or collections ends with a doxology, ‘Blessed be the LORD (YHWH), the God of Israel’. Book Five includes Psalms 107 to 150. However, Psalms 105, 106, and 107 have a connection. They each praise God because of His help during sequential periods of Israel’s history. The words of Psalm 107 praise God for delivering the faithful of Judah out of their exile in Babylon. Verses 1 to 9 praise God for redeeming, delivering, and restoring His people. The psalm is a reminder that God sees our distress and hears our cries. He will satisfy our longing heart and fill the hungry soul with good things.
The name of the book of numbers refers to the census headcount of Israel taken after their release from slavery in Egypt, and again as they are about to enter the promised land. In the interim time, their faith in God was tested. And they often failed. They frequently complained against God. They expressed repeated said that they would rather be back, living in Egypt under slavery, instead of the freedom and Promised Land that God was giving them. Numbers 21 reports that at one point in time, God punished the complaining people by sending venomous snake who bit them and caused them to die. Realizing the dangerous situation they had caused, the people confessed their sin and cried out, asking Moses to pray to God to take the serpents away. God instructed them to make a “fiery” serpent out of bronze and put it upon a pole. Those who looked up at the serpent lived. Who would look to a model of a snake to be rescued? Those who believed God’s words. Centuries later people would look upon Jesus and His cross. Those who believed His words and actions would be saved from the attacks of the snake, that is, the devil.
In Chapter 2 of St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians He gives instruction about several key factors of Christianity. Without God’s intervention, all people are spiritually dead in their trespasses, deserving God’s wrath. As a dead man cannot save himself from drowning, neither can we save ourselves from our sinful ‘deadness’. But God in His mercy has made us alive in Christ. This is a gift from God’s grace, and we can do absolutely nothing to earn it or deserve it. We do receive the gift by believing the promise, that is, through faith. We are acquitted and declared righteous by the blood of Jesus or substitute, without any merit or effort from us. So, we do the good works Jesus calls us to perform—not to be saved, but because He has already saved us.
John 3 includes a conversation Jesus had with a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Nicodemus had questions about Jesus’ teaching regarding the kingdom of heaven. Jesus points Nicodemus to the serpent on the pole reported in Numbers 20. Jesus foretells his crucifixion with the promise that when He was lifted up, anyone who believed on Him would have eternal life. Jesus’s instruction to Nicodemus is critical to grasping the gospel. This is how God demonstrates Hs love toward us—by sending His Son Jesus into the word to save you and the rest of the world from His condemnation, and to bring you from evil’s darkness into God’s light.
COLLECT: Gracious God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing and joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lenten Response: Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- March 3 Lent 3
Brothers and sisters, peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we continue through the season of Lent, I encourage you to set aside time to be in worship to hear God’s promises and receive the forgiveness He delivers through the absolution and the Lord’s Supper.
As a reminder, if you like Cantata music, then plan to attend a performance of the Houston Lutheran Chorale at Immanuel Lutheran Church (306 E 15th Street in the Heights) on Sunday March 17 beginning at 4 pm. Note: the parking lot of Immanuel is entered from Arlington Street. Sally Boyd will be one of the singers. She can give you more information.
Sunday, March 3rd is the third Sunday in Lent. We will continue to follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. For example, during Lent we are omitting ‘Alleluias”, substitute Hymn 422 for the hymn of praise, and add a Lenten response before the reading of the Gospel lesson..
Hymns chosen for the day are #429 We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #530 No Temple Now, No Gift of Price; #623 Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray; and #526 You are the Way; through You Alone.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 19:7-14; Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; and John 2:13-22.
Psalm 19 is a psalm of David, intended for the choirmaster. It is a hymn of praise to God, especially for His Law. In this context, the Torah, the Law, includes all of God’s instruction, both His demands and His promises. This Law is a desirable gift, for it helps to designate and guide God’s people. God’s demands and restrictions are a good thing, they help to keep us safe. But because we are sinners, we rebel against the Law. In that way the Law shows us our sin, and our need for a Savior. Jesus died for you, paying for your sin, that you would be seen blameless by God. That is something to celebrate.
The Old Testament reading is from Exodus 20, and describes some of the events during the Israelite wandering in the Sinai desert on the way to the promised Land. God declares Himself to be their God. Then He gives what is called the Decalogue, the Ten Words or Ten Commandments. As the Israelites go into the Promised Land, the Commandments would guide the faithful in their behavior and distinguish them from their pagan neighbors. As history shows, the Ten Commands also expose the people as sinners. They would need someone greater and more perfect than they to be God’s people.
The epistle reading comes from the opening Chapter of St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in southern Greece. The question, “How can we know God?”, was an issue in the congregation. Jews wanted to see miracles. The Greeks wanted some kind of secret knowledge or wisdom. People would brag about miracles they had experienced, or wisdom they had gained. Instead, Paul argues that the way to know God is in the cross of Jesus. The cross may seem foolish. It was an instrument of execution. How could a dead man save anyone? But it is at the cross that God’s forgiving and delivering attitude toward us is revealed. Jesus, His death, and His resurrection, are examples of the surprising and saving wisdom of God. It is a wisdom we gain through faith worked in us by the Holy Spirit. And it available to anyone.
The Gospel reading from John 2 describes Jesus ridding the temple of the merchants and money changers who had set up shop there. The temple was to be a place of worship and sacrifice to God, not a place of profit. When Jesus was questioned about His action, He responded by saying of the temple was destroyed, he would rebuild it in three days. Jesus was not speaking of the building, but of his own body. We no longer make sacrifices to appease God. Jesus has made the final sacrifice that ended all sacrifice, once, and for all people. Jesus is the temple where God is worshipped in truth. He died as an atoning sacrifice forgiving our sin. Three days later He was raised from the grave, demonstrating His power over death. Those who trust in Him will live forever sharing in His victory over death.
COLLECT: O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways, and bring them with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word,; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lenten Response: Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.
Please contact me if you have any prayer requests or questions about the Scripture readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- February 25
Brothers and sisters, peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has blessed us with a stretch of beautiful weather. It feels good to be outside. As we continue in the season of Lent, I encourage you to set aside time to be in worship to hear God’s promises and receive the forgiveness He delivers through the absolution and the Lord’s Supper.
If you like Cantata music, then plan to attend a performance of the Houston Lutheran Chorale at Immanuel Lutheran Church (306 E 15th Street in the Heights) on Sunday March 17 beginning at 4 pm. Note: the parking lot of Immanuel is entered from Arlington Street.
Sunday, February 25th is the Second Sunday in Lent. We will continue to follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. For example, during Lent we are omitting ‘Alleluias”, substitute Hymn 422 for the hymn of praise, and add a Lenten response before the reading of the Gospel lesson..
Hymns chosen for the day are #704 Renew Me O Eternal Light; HYMN #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #698 May We Thy Precepts Lord Fulfill; #637 Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord; and #707 Oh That the Lord Would Guide My Ways.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 5:1-11; and Mark 8:27-38.
Psalm 22 is a psalm of David, but the words also point ahead to the suffering and death of Jesus. It is the cry of anguish of someone burdened by sin. God seems quite distant. Verse 23-31 express the joy of someone realizing that God has not abandoned them. He sees the suffering of His people and promises to deliver them. Jesus was sent to deliver us from sin and the control of the devil. By His suffering and death, He ultimately saves us from suffering and death. The afflicted will be satisfied. In thanksgiving for God’s care, we should praise Him and serve Him by serving our neighbor who needs to hear the relief God gives.
In the Old Testament reading from Genesis 17, God repeats promises to Abraham and his wife Sarah, including they will have many descendants. God’s everlasting covenant is marked by giving Abraham and Sarah their new names, and the circumcision of all the male members of their clan. Jesus received the same sign of circumcision. He is the fulfillment and active agent of God’s covenant. Abraham believed God’s promise. Many nations become his descendants of faith through the gospel attached to baptism and teaching and proclamation. Buried with Christ in baptism, God circumcises us with a circumcision made without hands. That is, we are no longer people of the flesh but people of the Spirit. All your fleshly sins were nailed to the cross with Jesus. Connected to Jesus you can stand before God, forgiven.
The Epistle reading is from the fifth chapter of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. There are two things I would point out in this passage. The first is the process of moving through suffering to hope. Hope in this case is not wishful thinking, but rather confident anticipation. Paul does not describe the source of suffering. It would be accurate to say that all suffering is a result of sin, whether our individual sin, or the sin and brokenness of the world around us. Even Christians suffer. We may suffer even when we are doing good. Always keep in mind, Jesus has brought peace between you and God. Don’t let suffering discourage you or cause you to despair. Trust God. Jesus is evidence of His mercy toward you. The second point I would make follows from the first. Even when we were weak and ungodly, still actively sinning, Jesus died for us. He was not waiting for you to clean up your act, He saved you when you weren’t even aware of Him. If Jesus would save you when you were God’s enemy, how much more will He do for you now that your God’s child. Jesus is the key. He is the one who does everything to reconcile you to God. Believe in Jesus who suffered and died for you, and you will be saved from God’s wrath on the Day of Judgment.
In the Gospel reading from Mark 8, Peter makes the faithful observation and bold confession that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Messiah, the One anointed by God to restore His people. Jesus explains how that restoration would take place. He would have to go to Jerusalem where He would be put to death, and three days later be raised from the grave. Hearing Jesus’ explanation, Peter tries to intervene and stop Jesus from continuing His mission. Jesus teaches His disciples that His kingdom is not marked by success and prosperity. Rather His followers live under a cross. To be Jesus’ disciple is not an easy life, but one that requires self-denial, setting aside personal desires, serving others. Those who lose their life for the sake of Jesus and the gospel will actually save it. You might have all the riches and success of the world, but they cannot reconcile you to God. Consider your priorities. Consider your calendar and your checkbook. Where does Jesus stand among the activities and important things in your life? Jesus is urging us to repent, and not put Him in second place to anything.
COLLECT: O, Almighty and gracious God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul,; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lenten Response: Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster