This past Sunday, October 26th, I preached on a topic which we have rarely discussed. Due to this fact I believe many were left confused, simply because they had never heard of this before. The topic was our worshipping with angels, archangels and all the company of heaven.

Nearly every Sunday, we say that sentence in the Proper Preface at the beginning of the Service of the Sacrament, "...with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven we laud and magnify your glorious name evermore praising you and saying:" Yet, we never truly talk about what this means. I felt that it was time to dive into the topic because it gives such a sense of awe and wonder, opening our faith eyes to the glory that is the Divine Service (worship).

Therefore, I want to state this very simply and matter-of-fact: When we gather together in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we are joined by God's Angels and by those who have died in the faith. We worship God with them. We blend our voices together in singing praise and thanksgiving to Him. There's a reason I struggled to contain tears as I considered this during my sermon.

Consider now the joy, peace, comfort and awe that this can and should bring about every Sunday! Angels flying in. Loved ones who have gone before us into the glory of heaven sitting with us once more. Guardians surrounding us. And Jesus sitting on the throne before us, taking His rightful place on the altar to give us forgiveness life and salvation, receiving all glory.

Next time we gather together I truly hope you will join us for this momentous occasion! As I said in my sermon, "how could you NOT want to join us?!" May your spiritual eyes witness this glorious event next Sunday which is All Saints Day.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” -1 John 5:13

            Do you live each day with this knowledge of salvation, that eternal life is in your possession? It can give you an entirely different outlook, one which is filled with joy, strengthened by the knowledge that nothing can separate you from Christ. Meet each day with prayer and devotion; this will help orient your outlook so that your focus is eternal. Then, go live incarnate; meaning, live your life knowing Christ dwells within you and He has already overcome the devil with all his attacks and lies.

            Also, have you passed this sure knowledge of eternal life on to your family? How about your friends and neighbors? We are each called to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching. This begins in our household and extends outward. Often, we assume people know their salvation is secure, but when asked, most people will give a response of hope based upon works rather than certainty because of Christ.

           I cannot stress this enough, it is of utmost importance that we daily ask ourselves and then our children and others: “Will you go to heaven.” If the answer is anything other than “YES” make sure you pass on the surety we have because of Christ Jesus. Point to Jesus, not to works, for He did it all for us and gave us the gift of salvation for free through His Word and Sacrament. Ask this question daily until there is no doubt left, chase Satan away with the knowledge of Christ and go live with that laser-like focus. When we know our beginning and are sure of our end, then the middle becomes a joyful journey no matter what the obstacle.