Time Out » beethe

Time Out, Episode 167

Dan — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:15:48 +0000

Text: 1 John 3
Hymn: 633, At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 John 3
Bonus Bumper: Maranatha, Behold What Manner of Love

If we are “weak on santification,” it is our Old Adam who is weak on its own sanctification. The New Adam, daily rising out of baptism, makes no practice of sin but hopes in God, believing in the atonement on the cross for his righteousness. The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth — and He is not weak.

Special thanks to Sam Mussmann for singing with us this week.

At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing

At the Lamb’s high feast we sing
Praise to our victorious king,
Who has washed us in the tide
Flowing from his pierced side.
Alleluia!
Praise we him, whose love divine
Gives his sacred blood for wine,
Gives his body for the feast
Christ the victim, Christ the priest.
Alleluia!
Where the paschal blood is poured,
Death’s dread angel sheathes the sword;
Israel’s hosts triumphant go
Through the wave that drowns the foe.
Alleluia!
Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,
Paschal victim, paschal bread;
With sincerity and love
Eat we manna from above.
Alleluia!
Mighty Victim from the sky,
Hell’s fierce powers beneath you lie;
You have conquered in the fight
You have brought us life and light.
Alleluia!
Now no more can death appall,
Now no more the grave enthrall;
You have opened paradise,
And your saints in you shall rise.
Alleluia!
Easter triumph, Easter joy!
This alone can sin destroy;
From sin’s power, Lord, set us free,
Newborn souls in you to be.
Alleluia!
Father, who the crown shall give,
Savior, by whose death we live,
Spirit, guide through all our days;
Three in One, Your name we praise.
Alleluia!

Time Out, Episode 166

Dan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:15:09 +0000

Text: 2 Peter 3
Hymn: 472, These Things Did Thomas Count as Real
Kretzmann Commentary: 2 Peter 3
Bonus Bumper: Schola Hungarica, Dies Irae

Thomas’s doubt came from his certainty of how things are. “Until his fingers read like braille the markings of the spear and nail” is a modern yet faithful interpretation of Thomas’s desire. This is a good hymn about moving from doubt to faith.

Some time in the future I hope to chat with Stephen R. Johnson, who wrote REALITER for this hymn. We exchanged pleasantries on Facebook, but I will have to wait until I’m on the road before I can spend an evening on the phone with him.

The day of the Lord is coming, my friends; it only appears slow because our God wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

Thanks to Anna Baseley and her brother John (who mixes) for their contributions to the hymn.

Text: © 1984 Oxford University Press, Inc.
Music: © 2003 Stephen R. Johnson. Used with permission.
All rights reserved.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

These Things Did Thomas Count as Real

These things did Thomas count as real:
The warmth of blood, the chill of steel,
The grain of wood, the heft of stone,
The last frail twitch of flesh and bone.
The vision of his skeptic mind
Was keen enough to make him blind
To any unexpected act
Too large for his small world of fact.
His reasoned certainties denied
That one could live when one had died,
Until his fingers read like braille
The markings of the spear and nail.
May we, O God, by grace believe
And thus the risen Christ receive,
Whose raw imprinted palms reached out
And beckoned Thomas from his doubt.

Time Out, Episode 165

Dan — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:15:15 +0000

Text: 1 Peter 3
Hymn: 467, Awake, My Heart, with Gladness
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 Peter 3
Additional Commentary by Ms. Sandra Ostapowich, “A Woman’s Beauty”
Bonus Bumper 1: “What God Ordains is Always Good,” CPH, Heirs of the Reformation.
Bonus Bumper 2: “Women and Men,” They Might Be Giants

1 Peter 3: Humility and honor never go out of style. Neither does being saved through water.

Thanks to Sam Mussmann for providing vocals on the hymn and to Sandra Ostapowich for her remarks on 1 Peter 3.

Awake, My Heart, With Gladness

Awake, my heart, with gladness,
See what today is done;
Now, after gloom and sadness,
Comes forth the glorious sun.
My Savior there was laid
Where our bed must be made
When to the realms of light
Our spirit wings its flight.
The foe in triumph shouted
When Christ lay in the tomb;
But lo, he now is routed,
His boast is turned to gloom.
For Christ again is free;
In glorious victory
He who is strong to save
Has triumphed o’er the grave.
This is a sight that gladdens–
What peace it does impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart.
No gloom shall ever shake,
No foe shall ever take
The hope which God’s own Son
In love for me has won.
Now hell, its prince, the devil,
Of all their pow’r are shorn;
Now I am safe from evil,
And sin I laugh to scorn.
Grim death with all its might
Cannot my soul affright;
It is a pow’rless form,
Howe’er it rave and storm.
The world against me rages,
Its fury I disdain;
Though bitter war it wages,
Its work is all in vain.
My heart from care is free,
No trouble troubles me.
Misfortune now is play,
And night is bright as day.
Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate’er he passes through.
He rends death’s iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain;
He shatters hell’s grim thrall;
I follow him through all.
He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found is script of gold:
“Who there My cross has shard
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified.”

Time Out, Episode 163

Dan — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:15:58 +0000

Text: Hebrews 6
Hymn: 617, O Lord, We Praise Thee
Kretzmann Commentary: Hebrews 6
Bonus Bumper: Arcadia, “The Promise”

Blessed Maundy Thursday!

God’s promise was good enough, but he then reinforces it with an oath. That’s excellent assurance from the Almighty. We have this as the anchor for our souls.

The hymn of course reflects the institution of the Lord’s Supper as celebrated today.

617 Text: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House.
All rights reserved.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

O Lord, We Praise Thee

O Lord, we praise Thee, bless Thee, and adore Thee,
In thanksgiving bow before Thee.
Thou with Thy body and Thy blood didst nourish
Our weak souls that they may flourish.
O Lord, have mercy!
May Thy body, Lord, born of Mary
That our sins and sorrow did carry,
And Thy blood for us plead
In all trial, fear and need:
O Lord, have mercy!
Thy holy body into death was given,
Life to win for us in heaven.
No greater love than this to Thee could bind us;
May this feast thereof remind us!
O Lord, have mercy!
Lord, Thy kindness did so constrain Thee
That Thy blood should bless and sustain me.
All our debt Thou hast paid;
Peace with God once more is made:
O Lord, have mercy!
May God bestow on us His grace and favor
That we follow Christ our Savior
And live together here in love and union
Nor despise this blessed Communion!
O Lord, have mercy!
Let not Thy good Spirit forsake us;
Grant that heav’n-ly minded He make us;
Give Thy church, Lord, to see
Days of peace and unity;
O Lord, have mercy!

Time Out, Episode 162

Dan — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:15:19 +0000

Text: 2 Timothy 1
Hymn: 666, O Little Flock, Fear Not the Foe
Kretzmann Commentary: 2 Timothy 1
Bonus Bumper: Rush, YYZ

Follow the pattern of sound words, the words that tell you about Christ crucified for sinners. Even if you are persecuted or suffer real harm because of your faith, know that Christ has suffered more and takes away your eternal suffering. Fear not the foe: his apparent triumph only lasts a little while.

O Little Flock, Fear Not the Foe

O little flock, fear not the Foe
Who madly seeks your overthrow;
Dread not his rage and pow’r.
And though your courage sometimes faints,
His seeming triumph o’er God’s saints
Lasts but a little hour.
Be of good cheer; your cause belongs
To Him who can avenge your wrongs;
Leave it to Him, our Lord.
Though hidden yet from mortal eyes,
His Gideon shall for you arise,
Uphold you and His Word.
As true as God’s own Word is true.
Not earth nor hell’s Satanic crew
Against us shall prevail.
Their might, A joke, a mere facade!
God is with us, and we with God–
Our vict’ry cannot fail.
Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer;
Great Captain, now Thine arm make bare,
Fight for us once again!
So shall Thy saints and martyrs raise
A mighty chorus to Thy praise
Forevermore. Amen.

Time Out, Episode 160

Dan — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:15:23 +0000

Text: 2 Thessalonians 1
Hymn: TLH 429, Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart
Kretzmann Commentary: 2 Thessalonians 1
Bonus Bumper: The Royal Band, Terminator 2 Judgment Day

We are using the setting from TLH. The words and music, written up in Finale and saved as a PDF, will appear as the next post, as we don’t seem to be able to make iTunes show more than one file on a post. Anna Baseley is our guest vocalist.

2 Thessalonians 1 is about thanksgiving for the increase in faith and hoping for the world to come. We who believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation have nothing to fear. Our suffering here will be repaid in the end.

Time Out, Episode 159

Dan — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:15:22 +0000

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5
Hymn: 607, From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 Thessalonians 5
Bonus Bumper: Verdi, Requiem, “Dies Irae”

Lent is upon us. St. Paul admonishes us to keep our eyes peeled for the day of the Lord. Encourage one another and build each other up, using the means he has given the church. God has not destined us for wrath!

We’ve re-recorded vocals on 607. It’s a treat to take the last couple of years’ worth of lessons and apply them to the old classics. Though great our sins, yet greater still Is God’s abundant favor.

From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee

From depths of woe I cry to Thee,
In trial and tribulation;
Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,
Lord, hear my supplication.
If Thou rememb’rest ev’ry sin,
Who then could heaven ever win
Or stand before Thy presence?
Thy love and grace alone avail
To blot out my transgression;
The best and holiest deeds must fail
To break sin’s dread oppression.
Before Thee none can boasting stand,
But all must fear Thy strict demand
And live alone by mercy.
Therefore my hope is in the Lord
And not in mine own merit;
It rests upon His faithful Word
To them of contrite spirit
That He is merciful and just;
This is my comfort and my trust.
His help I wait with patience.
And though it tarry through the night
And till the morning waken,
My heart shall never doubt His might
Nor count itself forsaken.
O Israel, trust in God your Lord.
Born of the Spirit and the Word,
Now wait for His appearing.
Though great our sins, yet greater still
Is God’s abundant favor;
His hand of mercy never will
Abandon us, nor waver.
Our shepherd good and true is He,
Who will at last His Israel free
From all their sin and sorrow.

Time Out, Episode 158

Dan — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:15:09 +0000

Text: Philippians 1
Hymn: 418, O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days
Kretzmann Commentary: Philippians 1
Bonus Bumper: 116 Clique, 13 Letters, To Live is Christ (feat. Trip Lee)
Bonus Hymn: 419, Savior, When in Dust to Thee

We have a bonus hymn for the beginning of Lent! Matthew Pancake, from the podcast/radio program Radical Grace, accompanied and mixed for Hymn 419. On the occasion of this joint venture, if you donate to Time Out and mention Hymn 419, we will split the donation with Radical Grace and give you a link to download the hymn all by itself. Whether or not you donate, we’d love to hear your feedback on the hymn.

Philippians 1 is a reminder that apparent setbacks to the Gospel can actually advance the Gospel. Paul is jailed, but he preaches to the souls in prison — how’s that for being Christ-like?

Our first hymn helps us kick off the 40 days of Lent, which corresponds to Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness. May we use the gift of this season to repent and hear the Gospel.

A lot of comfort can be had in our second Lenten hymn. While we ask God to hear our penitential cry through despair and death, we know that Christ has triumphed and will reveal that triumph on the last day.

Hymn 418 Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

O Lord, throughout These Forty Days

O Lord, throughout these forty days
You prayed and kept the fast;
Inspire repentance for our sin,
And free us from our past.
You strove with Satan, and You won;
Your faithfulness endured;
Lend us Your nerve, Your skill and trust
In God’s eternal Word.
Though parched and hungry, yet You prayed
And fixed Your mind above;
So teach us to deny ourselves,
Since we have known God’s love.
Be with us through this season, Lord,
And all our earthly days,
That when the final Easter dawns,
We join in heaven’s praise.

Savior, When in Dust to Thee

Savior, when in dust to Thee
Low we bow the adoring knee;
When, repentant, to the skies
Scarce we lift our weeping eyes;
Oh, by all Thy pains and woe
Suffered once for us below,
Bending from Thy throne on high,
Hear our penitential cry!
By Thy helpless infant years,
By Thy life of want and tears,
By Thy days of deep distress
In the savage wilderness,
By the dread, mysterious hour
Of the insulting tempter’s power
Turn, oh, turn a fav’ring eye;
Hear our penitential cry!
By Thine hour of dire despair,
By Thine agony of prayer,
By the cross, the nail, the thorn,
Piecing spear, and torturing scorn,
By the gloom that veiled the skies
O’er the dreadful sacrifice,
Listen to our humble sigh;
Hear our penitential cry!
By Thy keep expiring groan,
By the sad sepulchral stone,
By the vault whose dark abode
Held in vain the rising God,
O, from earth to heav’n restored,
Mighty, reascended Lord,
Bending from Thy throne on high,
Hear our penitential cry!

Time Out, Episode 157

Dan — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:15:44 +0000

Text: Colossians 4
Hymn: 834, O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth
Kretzmann Commentary: Colossians 4
Bonus Bumper: Duran Duran, Astronaut, “Chains”

Colossians 4 itself doesn’t have a lot of scriptural material, but I chose this because of Dr. Kretzmann’s commentary behind Colossians 4. I ended up posting 3 excerpts to Facebook and Google Plus.

834 is a tricky hymn but rewarding, once mastered. Kantor Beethe does a good job with the accompaniment, and we are privileged to be joined by Anna Baseley of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dearborn, MI.

Text and tune: © 1967 Augsburg Fortress.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.
Setting from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission.

O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth

O God, O Lord of heav’n and earth,
Thy living finger never wrote
That life should be an aimless mote,
A deathward drift from futile birth.
Thy Word meant life triumphant hurled
In splendor through Thy broken world.
Since light awoke and life began,
Thou hast desired Thy life for man.
Our fatal will to equal Thee,
Our rebel will wrought death and night.
We seized and used in prideful spite
Thy wondrous gift of liberty.
We housed us in this house of doom,
Where death had royal scope and room,
Until Thy servant, Prince of Peace,
Breached all its walls for our release.
Thou camest to our hall of death,
O Christ, to breathe our poisoned air,
To drink for us the dark despair
That strangled our reluctant breath.
How beautiful the feet that trod
The road that leads us back to God!
How beautiful the feet that ran
To bring the great good news to man!
O Spirit, who didst once restore
Thy Church that it might be again
The bringer of good news to men,
Breathe on Thy cloven Church once more,
That in these gray and latter days
There may be those whose life is praise,
Each life a high doxology
To Father, Son, and unto Thee.

Time Out, Episode 150

Dan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:15:38 +0000

Text: John 1:35-51
Hymn: TLH 92, Now Sing We Now, Rejoice
Kretzmann Commentary: John 1:35-51
Bonus Bumper: Cherubini, Requiem, “Agnus Dei”
Overtime Bumper: Enya, And Winter Came, “Oíche Chiúin (Chorale)”

Merry Christmas!

We wrap up John with the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus has already amazed the disciples, but still more amazing things are coming — like a death and resurrection!

The Overtime is all Christmas carols. “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” is from 2010, and “All My Heart Again Rejoices” is from 2009. We finish with a carol from Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL. The video can be found on Vimeo.

“What Child is This,” can also be seen on YouTube. Please share it with your family and friends!

Now Sing We, Now Rejoice

Now sing we, now rejoice,
Now raise to heaven our voice;
He from whom joy streameth
Poor in a manger lies;
Not so brightly beameth
The sun in yonder skies.
Thou my Savior art!
Thou my Savior art!
Come from on high to me;
I cannot rise to Thee
Cheer my wearied spirit,
O pure and holy Child;
Through Thy grace and merit,
Blest Jesus, Lord most mild,
Draw me unto Thee!
Draw me unto Thee!
Now through His Son doth shine
The Father’s grace divine.
Death o’er us had reigned
Through sin and vanity;
He for us obtained
Eternal joy on high.
May we praise Him there!
May we praise Him there!
Oh, where shall joy be found?
Where but on heavenly ground?
Where the angels singing
With all His saints unite,
Sweetest praises bringing
In heavenly joy and light.
Oh, that we were there!
Oh, that we were there!

What Child is This

What child is this who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary.

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Infant holy,
Infant lowly,
For His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing,
Little knowing
Christ the child is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging,
Angels singing,
Bells are ringing,
Tidings bringing:
Christ the child is Lord of all!
Christ the child is Lord of all!
Flocks were sleeping,
Shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new
Saw the glory,
Heard the story,
Tidings of a Gospel true.
Thus rejoicing,
Free from sorrow,
Praises voicing,
Greet the morrow:
Christ the child was born for you!
Christ the child was born for you!

All My Heart Again Rejoices

All my heart again rejoices
As I hear Far and near
Sweetest angel voices.
“Christ is born,” their choirs are singing
Till the air Everywhere
Now with joy is ringing.
Hear the Conqueror has spoken,
Now the foe, Sin and woe,
Death and hell are broken.
God is man, man to deliver;
And the Son Now is one
With our blood forever.
Should we fear our God’s displeasure,
Who, to save, Freely gave
His most precious Treasure?
To redeem us He has given
His own Son From the throne
Of His might in heaven.
See the Lamb, our sin once taking
To the cross, Suff’ring loss,
Full atonement making.
For our life His own He tenders,
And His grace All our race
Fit for glory renders.
Softly from His lowly manger
Jesus calls One and all,
“You are safe from danger.
Children, from the sins that grieve you
You are freed; All you need
I will surely give you.”
Come, then, banish all your sadness,
One and all, Great and small;
Come with songs of gladness.
We shall live with Him forever
There on high, In that joy
Which can vanish never.

Time Out, 7th O Antiphon: O Emmanuel

Dan — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:30:17 +0000

O Emmanuel

O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord, the anointed for the nations and their Savior:

Come and save us, O Lord our God.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.

Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, Episode 149

Dan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:15:20 +0000

Text: John 1:19-34
Hymn: 357, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, with Michele Bunyon
Kretzmann Commentary: John 1:19-34
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Behold the Lamb of God”

Our second episode of three in John 1 covers the testimony of John the Baptist. Always pointing to the Messiah; what an example.

O King of the Nations

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, the cornerstone uniting all people:

Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Guest vocalist Michele Bunyon, who attends Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, joins us on the hymn. Come, Lord Jesus, come soon.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who ord’rest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times didst give the law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
O come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree,
Free them from Satan’s tyranny
That trust Thy mighty pow’r to save,
And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav’nly home:
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Time Out, 5th O Antiphon: O Dayspring

Dan — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:30:50 +0000

O Dayspring

O Dayspring, splendor of light everlasting:

Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, 4th O Antiphon: O Key of David

Dan — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:30:31 +0000

O Key of David

O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open:

Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, 3rd O Antiphon: O Root of Jesse

Dan — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:30:37 +0000

O Root of Jesse

O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage:

Come quickly to deliver us.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, 2nd O Antiphon: O Adonai

Dan — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:30:32 +0000

O Adonai

O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai:

Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Time Out, 1st O Antiphon: O Wisdom

Dan — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:30:50 +0000

The “O” Antiphons have been sung or recited at Vespers services since at latest the sixth century. The text of the antiphons is drawn from the book of Isaiah, and each title of an antiphon is a title for the Messiah. There is a separate O Antiphon for each of the seven days prior to Christmas Eve Day.

Kantor Beethe, Time Out’s regular accompanist and director of parish music at Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock, AR, will chant each of these. The words come from the “O” Antiphons listed at the end of LSB Hymn 357, and the psalm tone comes from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Psalm tone used with permission.

The other “O” Antiphons will appear here over the next six days.

O Wisdom

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all creation, mightily ordering all things:

Come and teach us the way of prudence.

Time Out, Episode 148

Dan — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:15:11 +0000

Text: John 1:1-18
Hymn: 347, Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People
Kretzmann Commentary: John 1:1-18
Bonus Bumper: In the Beginning Was the Word

Dr. Kretzmann has a wealth of commentary regarding John 1, so Episodes 148-150 will be devoted to John 1. There is so much Christology that it’s worth slowing down and taking in chunks.

“Comfort, comfort, ye my people”…or as we could phrase it today: you, who are my people, be comforted. We see very little in this life but sin at our door and the devil lying in wait seeking to devour us.

Do not despair. Repent, and believe the Gospel. Confess your sin, and be absolved. His Word is never broken.

Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Comfort, comfort, ye My people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
“Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning ‘neath their sorrows’ load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover
And her warfare now is over.”
Yea, her sins our God will pardon,
Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved His anger
He no more will see or heed.
She hath suffered many a day,
Now her griefs have passed away;
God will change her pining sadness
Into ever-springing gladness.
Hark, the herald’s voice is crying
In the desert far and near,
Calling sinners to repentance
Since the Kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise to meet Him
And the hills bow down to greet Him.
Make ye straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits His holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
Now o’er earth is shed abroad,
And all flesh shall see the token
That His Word is never broken.

Time Out, Episode 147

Dan — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:15:21 +0000

Text: Luke 1:57-80
Hymn: 344, On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
Kretzmann Commentary: Luke: 1:57-80
Bonus Bumper: G.P. Telemann, Benedictus Dominus, Deus Israel

Luke 1 finishes with the Song of Zechariah, a prophecy to the son of Zechariah, John the Baptist. The setting of this text in the LSB Matins service is quite beautiful.

The last time we played 344, Iggy commented:

It’s an interesting progression between Stanzas 3 and 4. We go from “Like flow’rs that wither and decay” to “Till beauty springs in ev’ry place.”

Without Christ, we are Stanza 3.
Because of Christ, we are Stanza 4!

Can we say “now / not yet?”

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

On Jordan’s bank the baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed by every life from sin;
Make straight the way for God within,
And let us all our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.
We hail Thee as our Savior, Lord,
Our refuge and our great reward;
Without Thy grace we waste away
Like flow’rs that wither and decay.
Lay on the sick Thy healing hand
And make the fallen strong to stand;
Show us the glory of Thy face
Till beauty springs in ev-’ry place.
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
Whose advent sets Thy people free,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore.

Time Out, Episode 146

Dan — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:15:40 +0000

Text: Luke 1:1-56
Hymn: 333, Once He Came in Blessing
Kretzmann Commentary: Luke 1:1-56
Bonus Bumper: Bach, Magnificat

The first chapter of Luke is so long that it needed to be broken up into two episodes. We will conclude Luke 1 next week.

“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Contrast this with Zechariah’s doubt. The Word of the Lord gives life; it can be trusted, even when we don’t see how. Let His salvation be done to us as God has commanded.

333 is one of my favorite Advent hymns, and the tune is very versatile: it almost asks to be played by a symphony with some trumpet overtones. I also like the reference to the Lord’s Supper in verse 2: “With Himself He feeds us.” Brilliant.

Once He Came in Blessing

Once He came in blessing,
All our sins redressing;
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us;
Hope and freedom gave us.
Now He gently leads us;
With Himself He feeds us
Precious food from heaven,
Pledge of peace here given,
Manna that will nourish
Souls that they may flourish.
Soon will come that hour
When with mighty power
Christ will come in splendor
And will judgment render,
With the faithful sharing
Joy beyond comparing.
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.

Time Out, Episode 144

Dan — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:15:36 +0000

Text: Matthew 1
Hymn: 512, At the Name of Jesus
Kretzmann Commentary: Matthew 1
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, Symphony

The pronunciation of the names in Matthew 1 were verified at netministries.org. If there’s a better source, I’d appreciate it.

Matthew 1 does have a lot of names, but one of the things that the list drives home is that the Christian (and Old Testament Judaism) faith is one set in history. Our faith wasn’t an attempt to explain or describe the universe. It starts and ends with Christ, prophesied from the beginning and fulfilled in real time.

The story of the Nativity is good, too.

512, “At the Name of Jesus,” is one of the first hymns Cantor Beethe and I did together. The vocals have been reworked, with two years of lessons learned the hard way. It’s a cool hymn with Law and Gospel, resolve and hope.

At the Name of Jesus

At the Name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Ev’ry tongue confess Him
King of glory now.
’Tis the Father’s pleasure
We should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning
Was the mighty Word.
At His voice creation
Sprang at once to sight,
All the angel faces,
All the hosts of light,
Thrones and bright dominions,
Stars upon their way,
All the heav’nly orders
In their great array.
Humbled for a season,
To receive a name
From the lips of sinners
Unto whom He came,
Faithfully He bore it
Spotless to the last,
Brought it back victorious
When from death He passed.
Bore it up triumphant
With its human light,
Through all ranks of creatures,
To the central height,
To the throne of Godhead,
To the Father’s breast,
Filled it with the glory
Of that perfect rest.
In your hearts enthrone Him;
There let Him subdue
All that is not holy,
All that is not true:
Crown Him as your Captain
In temptation’s hour;
Let His will enfold you
In its light and power.
Christians, this Lord Jesus
Shall return again,
In His Father’s glory,
With His angel train;
For all wreaths of empire
Meet upon His brow,
And our hearts confess Him
King of glory now.
Glory then to Jesus,
Who, the Prince of light,
To a world in darkness
Brought the gift of sight;
Praise to God the Father;
In the Spirit’s love
Praise we all together
Him who reigns above.

Time Out, Episode 143

Dan — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:15:52 +0000

Text: Zechariah 8
Hymn: TLH 609, Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying
Kretzmann Commentary: Zechariah 8
Bonus Bumper: WELS Honor Choir, Jerusalem the Golden

We wrap up our second pass through the Old Testament with Zechariah 8, a wonderful prophecy of peace and of God’s return to his remnant.

Words and lyrics for the “King of Chorales” can be found in the supplement for Episode 41. The vocals have been re-recorded, something I like to do for hymns that we recorded before Episode 83. With perhaps an exception where my voice dried up, I think the rework turned out well.

Time Out, Episode 142

Dan — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:15:26 +0000

Text: Joel 3
Hymn: 585, Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide
Kretzmann Commentary: Joel 3
Bonus Bumper: Johnny Cash, American IV, “The Man Comes Around”

Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near! Everyone will hear the Gospel, and those that believe shall be saved.

585 is a hymn of humility, praying for those things that we can’t possibly do ourselves. Let us keep the Word and never dim it. Let it unify the church.

Text: © 1982 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide

Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide,
For round us falls the eventide.
O let Your Word, that saving light,
Shine forth undimmed into the night.
In these last days of great distress
Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness
That we keep pure till life is spent
Your holy Word and Sacrament.
To hope grown dim, to hearts turned cold
Speak tongues of fire and make us bold
To shine Your Word of saving grace
Into each dark and loveless place.
May glorious truths that we have heard,
The bright sword of Your mighty Word,
Spur Satan that Your Church be strong,
Bold, unified in act and song.
Restrain, O Lord, the human pride
That seeks to thrust Your truth aside
Or with some man-made thoughts or things
Would dim the words Your Spirit sings.
Stay with us, Lord, and keep us true;
Preserve our faith our whole life through—
Your Word alone our heart’s defense,
The Church’s glorious confidence.

Time Out, Episode 139

Dan — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:15:25 +0000

Text: Ezekiel 34
Hymn: 754, Entrust Your Days and Burdens
Kretzmann Commentary: Ezekiel 34
Bonus Bumper: Louis Armstrong, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel

With leaders like these, who needs enemies? As in last week’s episode, Israel was lead astray by its religious leaders, and the shepherds weren’t even guarding the sheep. Nobody is going to save Israel and the church but God alone.

This message ties in well with Hymn 754, “Entrust Your Days and Burdens.” Professor Stephen R. Johnson took a Paul Gerhardt text and wrote his own tune for it. It’s not particularly Trinitarian, but it is always good to trust in God rather than princes, televangelists, and vision casters.

Text (sts. 1-5): © 1982 Concordia Publishing House; (st. 6): © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
Music: © 2002 Stephen R. Johnson. Used with permission.
All rights reserved.
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Entrust Your Days and Burdens

Entrust your days and burdens
To God’s most loving hand;
He cares for you while ruling
The sky, the sea, the land.
For He who guides the tempests
Along their thund’rous ways
Will find for you a pathway
And guide you all your days.
Rely on God your Savior
And find your life secure.
Make His work your foundation
That your work may endure.
No anxious thought, no worry,
No self-tormenting care
Can win your Father’s favor;
His heart is moved by prayer.
Take heart, have hope, my spirit,
And do not be dismayed;
God helps in ev’ry trial
And makes you unafraid.
Await His time with patience
Through darkest hours of night
Until the sun you hoped for
Delights your eager sight.
Leave all to His direction;
His wisdom rules for you
In ways to rouse your wonder
At all His love can do.
Soon He, His promise keeping,
With wonder-working pow’rs
Will banish from your spirit
What gave you troubled hours.
O blessèd heir of heaven,
You’ll hear the song resound
Of endless jubilation
When you with life are crowned.
In your right hand your maker
Will place the victor’s palm,
And you will thank Him gladly
With heaven’s joyful psalm.
Our hands and feet, Lord, strengthen;
With joy our spirits bless
Until we see the ending
Of all our life’s distress.
And so throughout our lifetime
Keep us within Your care
And at our end then bring us
To heav’n to praise You there.

Time Out, Episode 138

Dan — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:15:05 +0000

Text: Jeremiah 23
Hymn: 544, O Love, How Deep
Kretzmann Commentary: Jeremiah 23
Bonus Bumper: Mendelssohn, Elijah, “Is Not His Word Like a Fire”

Two good things going on in Jeremiah 23: The Lord will raise up a Righteous Branch in whose days Judah will be saved, and a blistering warning from the Lord about prophets speaking visions of their own minds and ascribing them to the Lord.

544 came to us as the Hymn of the Day for October 2. It’s a hymn soaked in Gospel and set to a great true, emphasizing everything Christ went through in order to purchase our redemption. Thanks be to God, that we can be counted as sons and daughters of the Most High!

O Love, How Deep

O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
Beyond all thought and fantasy,
That God, the Son of God, should take
Our mortal form for mortals’ sake!
He sent no angel to our race,
Of higher or lower place,
But wore the robe of human frame,
And to this world Himself He came.
For us baptized, for us He bore
His holy fast and hungered sore;
For us temptation sharp He knew;
For us the tempter overthrew.
For us He prayed; for us He taught;
For us His daily works He wrought,
By words and signs and actions thus
Still seeking not Himself but us.
For us by wickedness betrayed,
For us, in crown of thorns arrayed,
He bore the shameful cross and death;
For us He gave His dying breath.
For us He rose from death again;
For us He went on high to reign;
For us He sent His Spirit here
To guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.
All glory to our Lord and God
For love so deep, so high, so broad;
The trinity whom we adore
Forever and forevermore.

Time Out, Episode 137

Dan — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:15:08 +0000

Text: Isaiah 66
Hymn: 614, “As Surely as I Live,” God Said
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 66
Bonus Bumper: Globus, Epicon, “Diem Ex Dei”

Our last chapter in the Isaiah series warns Israel and us about the coming final judgement. The glory of the Lord is not something the sinful man wants to see: anger, fire, rebuke, sword, slaying, and whirlwind, and their ceremonies cannot save them. Only the Son of God, human so that he could take our place, divine so that he could bear all of this judgement, saves us from the coming doom and makes us God’s people.

We don’t hear LSB 614 all that often; I’m willing to bet four flats worry some accompanists. The lyrics in this hymn are its own sermon. God does not want us damned but repentant. He gives us His absolution as ultimate assurance that we are his.

“As Surely as I Live,” God Said

“As surely as I live,” God said,
“I would not see the sinner dead.
I want him turned from error’s ways,
Repentant, living endless days.”
And so our Lord gave this command:
“Go forth and preach in ev’ry land;
Bestow on all My pard’ning grace
Who will repent and mend their ways.
“All those whose sins you thus remit
I truly pardon and acquit,
And those whose sins you will retain
Condemned and guilty shall remain.
“What you will bind, that bound shall be;
What you will loose, that shall be free;
To My dear Church the keys are giv’n
To open, close the gates of heav’n.”
The words which absolution give
Are His who died that we might live;
The minister whom Christ has sent
Is but His humble instrument.
When ministers lay on their hands,
Absolved by Christ the sinner stands
He who by grace the Word believes
The purchase of His blood receives.
All praise to You, O Christ, shall be
For absolution full and free,
In which You show Your richest grace;
From false indulgence guard our race.
Praise God the Father and the Son
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
As was, is now, and so shall be
World without end, eternally!

Time Out, Episode 135

Dan — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:15:25 +0000

Text: Isaiah 61
Hymn: 954, We All Believe in One True God
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 61
Bonus Bumper: He Has Clothed Me (Isaiah 61:10)

It is nearly impossible to read the beginning of Isaiah 61 without thinking of Luke 4 — where Jesus Christ, in the temple, lay claim to the title of Messiah in front of those in the synagogue at Nazareth. We are the poor, the captives, the blind, the oppressed, and the Anointed One has come to set us free. The year of Jubilee happens every seven years, but the year of Christ’s Jubilee lasts forever.

I have been blessed with twin girls that love to sing, and hymns, no less. I hope you enjoy this hymn as much we enjoyed making it. I love how strong this hymn is: a creed that happens to have a tune.

We All Believe in One True God

We all believe in one true God,
Who created earth and heaven,
The Father, who to us in love
Has the right of children given.
He in soul and body feeds us;
All we need His hand provides us;
Through all snares and perils leads us,
Watching that no harm betide us.
He cares for us by day and night,
All things are governed by His might.
We all believe in Jesus Christ,
His own Son, our Lord, possessing
An equal Godhead, throne, and might,
Source of every grace and blessing.
Born of Mary, virgin mother,
By the power of the Spirit,
Word made flesh, our elder brother,
That the lost might life inherit.
Was crucified for all our sin
And raised by God to life again.
We all confess the Holy Ghost,
Who, in highest heaven dwelling
With God the Father and the Son,
Comforts us beyond all telling;
Who the Church, His own creation,
Keeps in unity of spirit.
Here forgiveness and salvation
Daily come through Jesus’ merit.
All flesh shall rise, and we shall be
In bliss with God eternally.
Amen, amen.

Time Out, Episode 134

Dan — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:15:31 +0000

Text: Isaiah 42
Hymn: 820, My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 42
Bonus Bumper: Prelude from “Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen,” Cantor Jacob Weber

The Lord’s chosen Servant brings justice to the nations, by opening the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf, by freeing those who sit locked in darkness, by living the life without sin and dying on the cross in our place. Even still, Israel and the heathen do not see.

The hymn begins as if it were about me and what I’m doing, but starting with “Who makes you full partaker…” it goes into what God has done for us. Praise Him forever reigning, all you who hear His Word!

My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker

My soul, now praise your Maker!
Let all within me bless His name
Who makes you full partaker
Of mercies more than you dare claim.
Forget Him not whose meekness
Still bears with all your sin,
Who heals your ev’ry weakness,
Renews your life within;
Whose grace and care are endless
And saved you through the past;
Who leaves no suff’rer friendless
But rights the wronged at last.
He offers all His treasure
Of justice, truth, and righteousness,
His love beyond all measure,
His yearning pity o’er distress;
Nor treats us as we merit
But sets His anger by.
The poor and contrite spirit
Finds His compassion nigh;
And high as heav’n above us,
As dawn from close of day,
So far, since He has loved us,
He puts our sins away.
For as a tender father
Has pity on His children here,
God in His arms will gather
All who are His in childlike fear.
He knows how frail our powers,
Who but from dust are made.
We flourish like the flowers,
And even so we fade;
The wind but through them passes,
And all their bloom is o’er.
We wither like the grasses;
Our place knows us no more.
His grace remains forever,
And children’s children yet shall prove
That God forsakes them never
Who in true fear shall seek His love.
In heav’n is fixed His dwelling,
His rule is over all;
O hosts with might excelling,
With praise before Him fall.
Praise Him forever reigning,
All you who hear His Word—
Our life and all sustaining.
My soul, O praise the Lord!

Time Out, Episode 133

Dan — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:15:34 +0000

Text: Isaiah 9
Hymn: 656, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Kretzmann Commentary: Isaiah 9
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “The People That Walked in Darkness”

We begin several weeks of Isaiah with chapter 9, filled with Messianic prophecy and civil war. Three times Isaiah notes, “For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.” Some people argue that a loving God wouldn’t send people to Hell. Well, would you keep these warring factions around in Heaven without atoning for them?

656 is one of those hymns that Cantor Beethe and I have reservations on doing, since there are other accompanists and vocalists who have already done a better job. We got some help this time, from Molly Leithart.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God,
A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need
That hath us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.
With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, who is this?
Jesus Christ it is,
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there’s none other God;
He holds the field forever.
Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none.
He’s judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.
The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Though these all be gone,
Our vict’ry has been won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Time Out, Episode 132

Dan — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:15:31 +0000

Text: Psalm 145
Hymn: 645, Built on the Rock
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 145
Bonus Bumper: Phillip Magness, Sing the Faith (iTunes, CD) “Asking a Blessing, Verse”

The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth. Thanks be to God who gives us this truth and gives us the words to recount his mighty deeds. He preserves all who love Him on account of the Son’s death and resurrection, but all the wicked he will destroy. He’s good but not safe.

645 is one of our most popular hymns, and we have a new guest vocalist: Claire Hulsether, also from Zion-Columbus. It was a nice opportunity to explore some of the harmony in the hymn.

Built on the Rock

Built on the Rock the Church shall stand
Even when steeples are falling.
Crumbled have spires in ev’ry land;
Bells still are chiming and calling.
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the souls distressed,
Longing for rest everlasting.
Surely in temples made with hands
God, the Most High, is not dwelling;
High above earth His temple stands,
All earthly temples excelling.
Yet He who dwells in heav’n above
Chooses to live with us in love,
Making our bodies His temple.
We are God’s house of living stones,
Built for His own habitation.
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation.
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell
With all His grace and his favor.
Here stands the font before our eyes,
Telling how God has received us.
The altar recalls Christ’s sacrifice
And what His Supper here gives us.
Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim
Christ yesterday, today, the same,
And evermore, our Redeemer.
Grant, then O God, Your will be done,
That, when the church bells are ringing,
Many in saving faith may come
Where Christ His message is bringing:
“I know My own; My own know Me.
You, not the world, My face shall see.
My peace I leave with you. Amen.”

Time Out, Episode 131

Dan — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:15:09 +0000

Text: Psalm 110
Hymn: 528, Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 110
Bonus Bumper: Schütz, Psalm 110, Les Sacqueboutiers de Toulouse

The Lord will execute judgment among the heathen nations, filling them with corpses, shattering chiefs over the wide earth. He does this with his own death, shattering Satan’s ability to accuse and demand that God’s creation burn in Hell with Satan. The state of our unfaithfulness is covered and broken by Christ’s substitution in our place.

Good gospel in the hymn today: He breaks the power of canceled sin, setting the prisoner free — His blood avails for me. Not a qualifying adverb in the house. Mark Fergues joins us on a hymn he requested.

Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the eart abroad,
The honors of Thy name.
Jesus! The name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the pow’r of cancelled sin;
He sets the pris’ner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood avails for me.
Look unto Him, ye nations; own
Your God, ye fallen race.
Look and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.
See all your sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb of God was slain.
His soul was once an off’ring made
For ev’ry soul of man.
To God all glory, praise, and love
Be now and ever giv’n
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heav’n.

Time Out, Episode 130

Dan — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:15:16 +0000

Text: Psalm 89
Hymn: 717, Eternal Father, Strong to Save (1, 2*, 3*, 4)
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 89
Bonus Bumper: St. Peter’s Basilica, Psalm 89

The first 37 verses, high praises to God; 13 out of the last 14, the wrath against the Anointed. Holy and righteous is God, and for us to have any part of that, our sins must be completely atoned for. He is cast off and rejected, plundered, short-lived, all that we may be His own.

We were following the 3-year lectionary when we chose 717, and I chose the Navy Hymn verses because we didn’t have the copyright for verses 2 and 3. We hope that anyone affected by the attack our Navy SEALs as well as anyone with ties to the military take comfort in this hymn and pray for those who remain in peril.

Eternal Father, Strong to Save (Navy Hymn)

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.
O Christ, whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at They word,
Who walkedst on the foaming deep
And calm amid its rage didst sleep:
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.
Most Holy Spirit, who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace:
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.
O Trinity of love and pow’r,
Our people shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe’er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad praise from air and land and sea.

Time Out, Episode 129

Dan — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:15:07 +0000

Text: Psalm 72
Hymn: 642, O Living Bread from Heaven
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 72
Bonus Bumper: Nederland Zingt, “Zijn Naam moet eeuwig eer ontvangen”

“He delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.” Our God is a god of mercy and forgiveness, calling our helpless selves to salvation. Precious is our blood in his sight, and he redeems our blood with the blood of Christ.

It’s not often we get a Praetorius tune outside of the Christmas season, but here it is! This hymn is about the Lord’s Supper, the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation that is found in, with, and under the bread/body and the wine/blood. “This food can death destroy,” something no mere symbol can accomplish.

O Living Bread from Heaven

O living Bread from heaven,
How well You feed Your guest!
The gifts that You have given
Have filled my heart with rest.
Oh, wondrous food of blessing,
Oh, cup that heals our woes!
My heart, this gift possessing,
With praises overflows.
My Lord, You here have led me
To this most holy place
And with Yourself have fed me
With treasures of Your grace;
For You have freely given
What earth could never buy,
The bread of life from heaven,
That now I shall not die.
You gave me all I wanted;
This food can death destroy.
And You have freely granted
The cup of endless joy.
My Lord, I do not merit
The favor You have shown,
And all my soul and spirit
Bow down before Your throne.
Lord, grant me then, thus strengthened
With heav’nly food, while here
My course on earth is lengthened,
To serve with holy fear.
And when You call my spirit
To leave this world below,
I enter, through Your merit,
Where joys unmingled flow.

Time Out, Episode 126

Dan — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:15:10 +0000

Text: Psalm 45
Hymn: 725, Children of the Heavenly Father
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 45
Bonus Bumper: Three Dog Night, “Old Fashioned Love Song”

“Forget your people and your father’s house, and the king will desire your beauty.” What repentance and gospel! Without Christ we are of our father the devil, but because we are paid for we are now God’s. We are desirable because of Christ’s action on the cross, justified by faith alone, forsaking the old ways of behavior and thinking.

This week, a classic. This performance was better than last August’s LSB 593, which used the same tune, but I sang flat in a couple of areas. Many, many people know the first verse, but all the verses are worth examining. He is never severed from us. He never forsakes us. He preserves us pure and holy for eternity.

Text: © Augsburg Publishing House
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Children of the Heavenly Father

Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor start in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.
God His own doth tend and nourish;
In his holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bares them.
Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace he showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.
Thought He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

Time Out, Episode 125

Dan — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:15:20 +0000

Text: Psalm 40
Hymn: 636, “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness,” vv. 5-8
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 40
Bonus Bumper: Fauré, Requiem, “Libera Me”

When reading Psalm 40, it’s fairly easy to be conflicted. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust? I delight to do your will? Your law is within my heart? This isn’t me, certainly not all the time.

Hebrews 10:5-7 makes it clear that this is Christ speaking through David. This is most excellent news. Christ’s righteousness is our righteousness. His death and resurrection makes the Lord our trust. We delight to do His will in thankfulness.

Stay tuned after the Kretzmann Commentary for the Overtime segment.

Text (st. 5): © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.

Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness

Jesus, source of lasting pleasure,
Truest friend, and dearest treasure,
Peace beyond all understanding,
Joy into all life expanding:
Humbly now, I bow before You;
Love incarnate, I adore You;
Worthily let me receive You
And, so favored, never leave You.
Jesus, sun of life, my splendor,
Jesus, friend of friends, most tender,
Jesus, joy of my desiring,
Fount of life, my soul inspiring:
AT Your feet I cry, my maker,
Let me be a fit partaker
Of this blesséd food from heaven,
For our good, Your glory, given.
Lord, by love and mercy driven,
You once left Your throne in heaven
On the cross for me to languish
And to die in bitter anguish.
To forego all joy and gladness
And to shed Your blood in sadness.
By this blood redeemed and living
Lord, I praise You with thanksgiving.
Jesus, bread of life, I pray You,
Let me gladly here obey You.
By Your love I am invited,
Be Your love with love requited;
By this Supper let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep love’s treasure.
Through the gift of grace You give me
As Your guest in heav’n receive me.

Time Out, Episode 123

Dan — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:15:11 +0000

Text: Psalm 19
Hymn: 506, Glory Be to God the Father
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 19
Bonus Bumper: Handel, Messiah, “Their Sound Is Gone Out”

“Who can discern his errors?” That’s what friends are for, right? Actually, that’s what God is for, and not only can He tell us our errors, He forgives them, for the sake of the Lamb.

Following Trinity Sunday, we have Hymn 506, which sources Jude and Revelation for its text.

Glory Be to God the Father

Glory be to God the Father,
Glory be to God the Son,
Glory be to God the Spirit:
Great Jehovah, Three in One!
Glory, glory
While eternal ages run!
Glory be to Him who loved us,
Washed us from each spot and stain;
Glory be to Him who bought us,
Made us kings with Him to reign!
Glory, glory
To the Lamb that once was slain!
Glory to the King of angels,
Glory to the Church’s King,
Glory to the King of nations,
Heav’n and earth, your praises bring!
Glory, glory
To the King of glory sing!
Glory blessing, praise eternal!
Thus the choir of angels sings;
Honor, riches, pow’r, dominion!
Thus its praise creation brings.
Glory, glory,
Glory to the King of kings!

Time Out, Episode 122

Dan — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:15:26 +0000

Text: Psalm 8
Hymn: 498, Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
Kretzmann Commentary: Psalm 8
Bonus Bumper: Mendelsohnn, Elijah, “And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth”

What is the son of man, that God cares for Him, and yet sends Him to die? What kind of son is crowned with glory and honor and has dominion over all creation, and yet gives is all up to propitiate God’s wrath for us? How majestic indeed is the name of the Lord who does all this.

On this Thursday after Pentecost, we sing one of the great hymns of old, the text dating as far back as the 8^th Century.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
And make our hearts Your place of rest;
Come with Your grace and heav’nly aid,
And fill the hearts which You have made.
To You, the Counselor, we cry,
To You, the gift of God Most High;
The fount of life, the fire of love,
The soul’s anointing from above.
In You, with graces sevenfold,
We God’s almighty hand behold
While You with tongues of fire proclaim
To all the world His holy name.
Your light to ev’ry thought impart,
And shed Your love in ev’ry heart;
The weakness of our mortal state
With deathless might invigorate.
Drive far away our wily foe,
And Your abiding peace bestow;
With You as our protecting guide,
No evil can with us abide.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And You, from both, as Three in One
That we Your name may ever bless
And in our lives the truth confess.
Praise we the Father and the Son
And Holy Spirit, with them One,
And may the Son on us bestow
The gifts that from the Spirit flow!

Time Out, Episode 117

Dan — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:15:36 +0000

Text: 1 Samuel 7
Hymn: 909, Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 Samuel 7
Bonus Bumper: Kantor Nathan Beethe, Ebenezer (tune from Thy Strong Word)

It’s not enough that God is to be worshiped alongside other gods; he is to be worshiped alone. Israel repents and kicks out the other gods, and God saves them. Samuel is another Christ prototype, especially as prophet and priest.

909 is a nice hymn about Christ and the church. He is the head, binding all the church in one, giving us His gifts forever.

Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ, our head and corner stone,
Chosen of the Lord and precious,
Binding all the Church in one;
Holy Zion’s help forever
And our confidence secure.
To this temple, where we call You,
Come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
Come with all Your loving-kindness,
Hear Your people as they pray;
And Your fullest benediction
Shed within these walls today.
Grant, we pray, to all your faithful
All the gifts they ask to gain;
What they gain from You, forever
With the blessed to retain;
And hereafter in Your glory
Evermore with You to reign.
Praise and honor to the Father,
Praise and honor to the Son,
Praise and honor to the Spirit,
Ever three and ever one:
One in might and one in glory
While unending ages run!

Time Out, Episode 116

Dan — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:15:10 +0000

Text: Judges 13
Hymn: 471, O Sons and Daughters of the King
Kretzmann Commentary: Judges 13
Bonus Bumper: G. Handel, Samson, Overture.

The birth of Samson and the annunciation to his parents isn’t as memorable as that of the Savior and the Virgin Mary, but there are cool parallels that one can draw between the two. The pre-incarnate Christ announces the type and shadow of the Christ to come, who would deliver people from the Philistines with his death.

The Easter hymns continue with LSB 471, which has a neat tune, slightly older than the one we’re used to singing.

O Sons and Daughters of the King

Refrain:
Alleluia, alleliua, alleluia!

O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heav’nly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave has lost its sting!
Alleluia!
That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia!
An angel clad in white they see,
Who sits and speaks unto the three,
“Your Lord will go to Galilee.”
Alleluia!
That night the apostles met in fear;
Among them came their master dear
And said, “My peace be with you here.”
Alleluia!
When Thomas first the tidings heard
That they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia!
“My pierced side, O Thomas, see,
And look upon My hands, My feet;
Not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia!
No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
“You are my Lord and God!” he cried.
Alleluia!
How blest are they who have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been,
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia!
On this most holy day of days
Be laud and jubilee and praise:
To God your hearts and voice raise.
Alleluia!

Refrain

Time Out, Episode 113

Dan — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:15:38 +0000

Text: Numbers 6
Hymn: 428, Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow
Kretzmann Commentary: Numbers 6
Bonus Bumper: San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble, Numbers 6:22-27

Numbers 6 has two very cool things: the Nazirite vow which Samson swore to, and the Aaronic or priestly blessing, which we still use to conclude our Divine Services to this day.

Lots of neat stuff in LSB 428. Two Natures in Christ. Coming from the highest of thrones before all worlds to die on a cross on Earth at the given time. The very God is abandoned.

Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow

Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow,
Where the blood of Christ was shed,
Perfect man on thee did suffer,
Perfect God on thee has bled!
Here the King of all the ages,
Throned in light ere worlds could be,
Robed in mortal flesh is dying,
Crucified by sin for me.
O mysterious condescending!
O abandonment sublime!
Very God Himself is bearing
All the sufferings of time!
Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow,
Where the blood of Christ was shed,
Perfect man on thee did suffer,
Perfect God on thee has bled!

Time Out, Episode 110

Dan — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:15:56 +0000

Text: Genesis 8
Hymn: 419, Savior, When in Dust to Thee
Kretzmann Commentary: Genesis 8
Bonus Bumper: The Statler Brothers, Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord

There was a lot of sin drowned in the great flood, but not as much, I imagine, as the amount of sin drowned in baptism.

The hymn really starts to drive home the wrath of God that we justly deserved and yet was laid upon the Christ, the Lamb of God. God did not take out further wrath upon his people but expended that wrath now on His Son.

Savior, When in Dust to Thee

Savior, when in dust to Thee
Low we bow the adoring knee;
When, repentant, to the skies
Scarce we lift our weeping eyes;
Oh, by all Thy pains and woe
Suffered once for us below,
Bending from Thy throne on high,
Hear our penitential cry!
By Thy helpless infant years,
By Thy life of want and tears,
By Thy days of deep distress
In the savage wilderness,
By the dread, mysterious hour
Of the insulting tempter’s power
Turn, oh, turn a fav’ring eye;
Hear our penitential cry!
By Thine hour of dire despair,
By Thine agony of prayer,
By the cross, the nail, the thorn,
Piecing spear, and torturing scorn,
By the gloom that veiled the skies
O’er the dreadful sacrifice,
Listen to our humble sigh;
Hear our penitential cry!
By Thy keep expiring groan,
By the sad sepulchral stone,
By the vault whose dark abode
Held in vain the rising God,
O, from earth to heav’n restored,
Mighty, reascended Lord,
Bending from Thy throne on high,
Hear our penitential cry!

Time Out, Episode 107

Dan — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:15:09 +0000

Text: 3 John
Hymn: 413, O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair
Kretzmann Commentary: 3 John
Bonus Bumper: Mazaaki Suzuki, St. John’s Passion

Do not imitate evil, but good. Support fellow workers for the truth.

What does St. John have against pen and ink?

O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair

O wondrous type! O vision fair
Of glory that the Church may share,
Which Christ upon the mountain shows,
Where brighter than the sun he glows!
With Moses and Elijah nigh
The incarnate Lord holds converse high;
And from the cloud the Holy One
Bears record to the only Son.
With shining face and bright array
Christ deigns to manifest today
What glory shall be theirs above
Who joy in God with perfect love.
And faithful hearts are raised on high
By this great vision’s mystery;
For which in joyful strains we raise
The voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.
O Father, with th’eternal Son,
And Holy Spirit, ever one,
We pray Thee, bring us by Thy grace
To see Thy glory face to face.

Time Out, Episode 106

Dan — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:15:04 +0000

Text: 2 John
Hymn: LCL 440, Célébrons l’Éternel
Kretzmann Commentary: 2 John
Bonus Bumper: Aerosmith, St. John

Walk in the truth. Avoid deceivers. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

We have a guest singer and a guest hymnal: Pr. Charles St-Onge of Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, sang hymn 440 out of the Liturgies et Cantiques Luthériens. This is the same hymnal that our missionaries in Africa are using to teach the faith in French.

Célébrons l’Éternel

Célébrons l’Éternel, notre Dieu, notre seul Père,
Tout-puissant Créateur et des cieux et de la terre!
Ce Dieu d’amour,
De ses enfants, chaque jour,
Veut exaucer la prière.
Célébrons Jésus-Christ, le Chef béni de l’Église!
Qu’à sa divine loi toute âme enfin soit soumise.
Ce bon Sauveur
Sur la croix, pour le pécheur,
Acquit la grâce promise.
Célébrons l’Ésprit-Saint, lui qui sur toute la terre,
Assemble les pécheurs et de ses dons les éclaire,
Et les unit
En un seul Corps, qu’il bénit
Par sa force et sa lumière.
Seigneur Dieu trois fois saint, que chaque chrétien fléchisse
Devant toi les genoux, et t’adore, et te bénisse!
D’un même cœur
Célébrons tous le Seigneur.
Ô grand Dieu, sois-nous propice!

Translation

(furnished by Pr. St-Onge)

Celebrate the Eternal One, our God, our only Father.
All powerful Creator of the skies and the earth!
This God of love,
From his children, each day,
Wishes to draw forth prayer.
Celebrate Jesus Christ, the Blessed Head of the Church!
That to His divine law each soul at last would submit.
This good Savior
On the cross, for the sinner,
Acquired his promised grace.
Celebrate the Holy Spirit, who on all the earth,
Calls together sinners and enlightens them with His gifts,
And unites them
Into one Body, which He blesses
By His power and His light.
Lord God, thrice holy, may each Christian reflect
Before you on knees and adore you and bless you!
From the same heart,
Celebrate all of us the Savior,
O great God, may we be fit (for you)!

Time Out, Episode 105

Dan — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:15:31 +0000

Text: 1 John 2
Hymn: 645, Built on the Rock
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 John
Bonus Bumper: Maranatha Kids, Beloved, Let Us Love One Another

As I recorded this podcast I heard news that we were evangelizing Muslims using Bibles that didn’t say the “Son of God.” The first epistle of John seems to indicate that this is not a salutary practice in chapter 2, verse 23: “No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.”

Built on the Rock is one of my favorite hymns. We did this for Episode 30, but I re-recorded the vocals. You are welcome to compare!

Built on the Rock

Built on the Rock the Church shall stand
Even when steeples are falling.
Crumbled have spires in ev’ry land;
Bells still are chiming and calling.
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the souls distressed,
Longing for rest everlasting.
Surely in temples made with hands
God, the Most High, is not dwelling;
High above earth His temple stands,
All earthly temples excelling.
Yet He who dwells in heav’n above
Chooses to live with us in love,
Making our bodies His temple.
We are God’s house of living stones,
Built for His own habitation.
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation.
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell
With all His grace and his favor.
Here stands the font before our eyes,
Telling how God has received us.
The altar recalls Christ’s sacrifice
And what His Supper here gives us.
Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim
Christ yesterday, today, the same,
And evermore, our Redeemer.
Grant, then O God, Your will be done,
That, when the church bells are ringing,
Many in saving faith may come
Where Christ His message is bringing:
“I know My own; My own know Me.
You, not the world, My face shall see.
My peace I leave with you. Amen.”

Time Out, Episode 103

Dan — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:15:06 +0000

Text: 1 Peter 2
Hymn: 842, Son of God, Eternal Savior
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 Peter
Bonus Bumper: St. Ambrose of Woodbury Music Ministry Group, Come to the Living Stone.

1 Peter 2 finds another way to state that it is important to keep our Christian doctrine as pure and biblical as possible. Our spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. We are God’s people because we have received mercy, not through anything we have done. As a result, then, we are to avoid those things which wage war against our soul.

As citizens of a democratic republic Americans have the unique privilege of helping the government punish those who do evil and praise those who do good. Whatever country and whatever government we have, we are still to do good and still suffer, because He who is Good did the ultimate suffering to save us.

842 is a cool hymn that addresses a similar topic. The beneficiaries of the atonement, we are made holy, to do God’s will in service to our neighbor.

Son of God, Eternal Savior

Son of God, eternal Savior,
Source of life and truth and grace,
Word made flesh, whose birth among us
Hallows all our human race,
You our Head, who, throned in glory,
For Your own will ever plead:
Fill us with Your love and pity,
Heal our wrongs, and help our need.
As You, Lord have lived for others,
So may we for others live.
Freely have Your gifts been granted;
Freely may Your servants give.
Yours the gold and Yours the silver,
Yours the wealth of land and sea;
We but stewards of Your bounty
Held in solemn trust will be.
Come, O Christ, and reign among us,
King of love and Prince of Peace;
Hus the storm of strife and passion,
Bid its cruel discords cease.
By Your patient years of toiling,
By Your silent hours of pain,
Quench our fevered thirst of pleasure,
Stem our selfish greed of gain.
Son of God, eternal Savior,
Source of life and truth and grace,
Word made flesh whose birth among us
Hallows all our human race:
By Your praying, by Your willing
That Your people should be one,
Grant, O grant our hope’s fruition:
Here on earth Your will be done.

Time Out, Episode 101

Dan — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:15:02 +0000

Text: Hebrews 8
Hymn: 402, The Only Son from Heaven
Kretzmann Commentary: Hebrews
Bonus Bumper: The Gospel Keynotes, Nothing but the Blood of Jesus

The first covenant, man botches; the second covenant, Jesus keeps for us. Also, the promises are better. Thank God!

402 is an old one, written in the early 1500′s. May the “time of God appointed” come quickly!

The Only Son from Heaven

The only Son from heaven,
Foretold by ancient seers,
By God the Father given,
In human form appears;
No sphere His light confining,
No star so brightly shining
As He, our Morning Star.
O time of God appointed,
O bright and holy morn!
He comes, the King anointed,
The Christ, the virgin-born;
Grim death to vanquish for us,
To open heav’n before us
And bring us life again.
O Lord, our hearts awaken
To know and love You more,
In faith to stand unshaken,
In spirit to adore,
That we, through this world moving,
Each glimpse of heaven proving,
May reap its fullness there.
O Father, here before You
With god the Holy Ghost
And Jesus, we adore You,
O pride of angel host:
Before You mortals lowly
Cry, “Holy, holy, holy,
O blessed Trinity!”

Time Out, Episode 100

Dan — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:15:02 +0000

Text: Philemon
Hymn: 404, Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered
Kretzmann Commentary: Philemon
Bonus Bumper: 116 Clique, Take ‘Em Back

Paul appeals, rather than orders, Philemon to take Onesimus back as his brother in Christ. This gives Philemon a chance to truly forgive Onesimus for what he did. Very cool on Paul’s part, and an interesting way to act as a Christian when one is a superior.

404 is quite contemporary in age, only 12 years old, and yet the lyrics discuss baptism and Jesus’s duty on Earth. I especially like the last verse, where the cross is traced over us in baptism, counting us as righteous. Great gospel there.

After the Kretzmann commentary there is an overtime segment.

Text: © 1999 Stephen P. Starke; admin. Concordia Publishing House
Tune: © 1978 Augsburg Fortress
Podcast under OneLicense.Net A-718131.
Setting from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission.

Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered

Jesus, once with sinners numbered,
Had no blemish of His own;
In the waters of the Jordan
His true worth and work were shown:
Heaven opened and the Spirit
There descended like a dove,
As the Father’s voice resounded,
“Hear My Son, the One I love.”
John confessed Him as the Savior–
“Look, the sinless Lamb of God!”
Yet he dared not loose the sandals
Of the One God’s love had shod.
Oh, how fair the feet of Jesus,
Bringing news of peace to us,
Christ, the herald of salvation,
Preaching mercy from the cross:
This the baptism that our Savior
Greatly longed to undergo:
This the crimson cleansing needed
So the world God’s love might now;
This the mission of Messiah
As He stepped from Jordan’s stream,
He, the chosen and anointed,
Son of God, sent to redeem.
Jesus, once with sinners numbered,
Full obedience was Your path;
You, by death, have consecrated
Water in this saving bath:
Dying to the sin of Adam,
Rising to a life of grace;
We are counted with the righteous,
Over us the cross You trace.

Time Out, Episode 99

Dan — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:15:17 +0000

Text: Titus 2
Hymn: 401, From God the Father, Virgin-Born
Kretzmann Commentary: Titus
Bonus bumper: Titus End Theme

St. Paul, writing to junior pastor Titus, tells him to teach what accords with sound doctrine and act with integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned. That’s a standard!

The text for this hymn has been dated anywhere from the fifth to the tenth century, proving again that the original universal faith still applies to us.

From God the Father, Virgin-Born

From God the Father, virgin-born
To us the only Son came down;
By death the font to consecrate,
The faithful to regenerate.
Beginning from His home on high
In human flesh He came to die;
Creation by His death restored,
And shed new joys of life abroad.
Glide on, O glorious Sun, and bring
The gift of healing on Your wing;
To ev’ry dull and clouded sense
The clearness of Your light dispense.
Abide with us, O Lord, we pray;
The gloom of darkness chase away;
Your work of healing, Lord, begin,
And take away the stain of sin.
Lord, once You came to earth’s domain
And, we believe, shall come again;
Be with us on the battlefield,
From ev’ry harm Your people shield.
To You, O Lord, all glory be
For this Your blest epiphany;
To God Whom all His hosts adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore.

Time Out, Episode 98

Dan — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:15:06 +0000

Text: 2 Timothy 3
Hymn: 969, Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band
Kretzmann Commentary: 2 Timothy
Bonus bumper: Nathan Beethe, The Day Is Surely Drawing Near.

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” This isn’t the message of attractional theology or the prosperity gospel. 2 Timothy 3 is a message to persevere, knowing that we have the faith that saves.

Persevere, even when some in the church clearly preach against a portion or the whole of the gospel.

Words and music can be found in the supplement.

Time Out, Episode 97

Dan — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:15:51 +0000

Text: 1 Timothy 6
Hymn: 357, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Kretzmann Commentary: 1 Timothy
Bonus Bumper: Enya, “O Come O Come Emmanuel”

There is much in Paul’s first letter to Timothy about activities in the church. While 1 Timothy 2 is more maligned and ignored, the sixth chapter addresses the big picture of all false doctrine. 1 Timothy 6 also tells us that being rich isn’t a sin, it is a temptation, and rich people are to be generous and ready to share.

Kantor Beethe finishes the O Antiphons with O Emmanuel.

O Emmanuel

O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord, the anointed for the nations and their Savior:

Come and save us, O Lord our God.

Text from LSB 357, “O” Antiphons.
Psalm tone from the Brotherhood Prayer Book, published by Emmanuel Press. Used with permission.

Guest vocalist Michele Bunyon, who attends Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, joins us on the hymn. Come, Lord Jesus, come soon.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who ord’rest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times didst give the law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
O come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree,
Free them from Satan’s tyranny
That trust Thy mighty pow’r to save,
And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav’nly home:
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!