Conserve, REUSE, recycle

1. "Reuse provides maximum function for given material and energy input."

As can be interpreted from the previous quote, Semrau attempts to focus not too heavily on conserving or recycling material, but on reusing it. However, Semrau purposely fails to reveal just how he intends to carry out this plan of "using what you have until it can no longer function" until the very end of the article. I believe that this technique builds suspense as well as a sense of anticipation for the reader. In fact, not knowing the unexpected outcome until the conclusion allowed me to question and dig deeper into the details Semrau did reveal throughout the article. When I reached the resolution of the reading I actually found it rather humerous because of the fact that it was completely surprising and unlike any of the explanations I had been formerly thinking of. Although this essay was not one of abundant suspense, waiting until the end to reveal a most important aspect of the reading added substance to the article and made it enjoyable as well as interesting for me to read.

Savior of the Nations Come

     As one makes their way through the Savior of the Nations Come hymn, a central theme appears: God sent Jesus Christ to conquer death, sin and hell so that all believers may accompany him in his eternal reign in heaven. Luther discusses God's creation of his son, Jesus' rejection on earth, and his boundless kingdom in order to make this theme evident in the sermon. Praising of the Lord for these verifiable truths also takes place to do so. Luther also mentions how important it is that we do not let sin overpower our faith in these accomplishments and that we praise God for what he has done for us.
     In order to put emphasis on the immensity of the beginning of Jesus' reign of never ending glory through His birth, Luther implements the literary tool description in the sixth verse of the hymn. Here, he describes how the manger was "shining" as the Savior was born into this world. With this illustration of the pervasive light, one can clearly visualize the birth of the Lamb and how "glorious" and "bright" this event was. In a way, it allows believers to appreciate this crucial occurrence even more, if possible.

Sermon Diagnostics

1.) There is a total of 31 references to Christ/Lamb/Lord/Jesus.
2.) Verbs: makes us holy, slain, took on our sins, died for us, lives again, died our death, rose and reigns, makes us alive, came, makes this place a blessing, is there and reigns on the throne.
3.)     Edward's sermon theme was focused solely on God's wrath towards those who fail to repent and come to the Lord. Although Edwards did describe the crucial message of penance, he neglected to share the superior theme which includes Christ dying and rising again in order to save us from sin. Borghardt, on the other hand, succeeded in doing so. The theme of his entire sermon was centered on Christ himself and the good news of the gospel. Instead of fixating on God's wrath, Borghardt concentrated on His mercy and how he calls us home to heaven graciously when we die.