Thinking Outside of the Recycling Bin

"Most of us have many things that we don't or won't use-things we no longer need.  Whatever it is, if it has some function then someone can make use of it."   Many people in our society try to go green by conserving, reusing, and recycling.  Semrau realizes that this is important but that there are other ways to contribute to the effort and humanity.  The idea of being a cadaver or an "anatomical gift" may not conserve, save, or recycle materials that are frequently thought of when you think of recycling, but by reusing the body, which will not be needed after death, can help those still on the Earth.  The concept of recycling and reusing yourself are the same: both are meant to help present and future generations by making the most of the resources available.  By intentionally keeping information from the reader, Semrau keeps your attention because you wonder how conserving, reusing, and recycling connect to Semrau's life stages and his goals.  Since the article was short rather than  long, the strategy was good because it kept the reader interested.   Also the combination of helping "our existence" and making the most of our lives appeals to the reader and encourages them to consider reusing themselves too.                                                                                                         

Savior of the Nations, Come

Luther's hymn describes the glorious event and purpose of Christ's first coming.   The theme of Jesus' virgin birth and defeat of death,which allows us to gain salvation, becomes apparent in this hymn.  Throughout the hymn, Luther uses description to show how great the concept of Jesus coming to be our sacrifice is,so that we can enjoy the glories awaiting us in heaven.  "Marvel now, O heaven and earth, That the Lord chose such a birth" speaks about the humble beginning of the greatest and most powerful figure that will soon reign on both  heaven and earth.  This hymn inspires the reader or singer to fully praise God for the pure and "wondrous birth" in which heaven will be "enthroned."  A personal sense of victory, awe, and thankful emotions are created by Luther's use of diction.  Also phrases like,"Savior of the nations, come,Virgin's Son, make here Thy home!" provoke an urgency to seek the second coming of our Savior. 

Sermon Diagnostic

1) In Rev. Borghardt's sermon, Jesus is referenced approximately 30 times.  Some of the verbs used to reveal what Christ has done are reigns, makes us alive, was slain but lives, died your death, rose and cleansed, in addition to other verbs that mainly correlate to the Gospel message.
2) Edward and Rev. Borghardt's sermons focus on different themes.  Edward speaks of God's wrath and that our punishment for sinning should be damnation to the bottomless, fiery pit of hell.  This sermon implies to the listeners that they need to be completely obedient just to have the chance to go to heaven.  Edward hardly mentions God's mercy and how he sent Jesus to die and save us from our sins.  Rev. Borghardt, on the other hand, preaches the good news of Christ coming as our sacrifice and calling our names so we can have eternal life in heaven.