Worshipping every Sunday with the flock at Life in Christ is a joy. But tomorrow will be memorable. I'll have the privilege of giving the Lord's baptism to my fourth grand child and first grand daughter, Emily Faith. I always seem to get teary eyed at baptisms but when it's your own grandchild? I hope I can keep it together.
Then in the afternoon my good friend of 40 plus years, Jerry, will be commissioned as a Deacon to serve our church. Jerry has worked so hard the past three years to complete his course work. We are all so proud of his perseverance. Come and join us and see God's grace touch many lives. Worship at 8 and 10:45 am with Christian LIFE (Learn Is For Everyone) Hour at 9:15 with classes for all ages. Hope to see you Sunday at Life in Christ!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Encouragement from Dr. Luther
We know that to be saved is nothing other than to be delivered from sin, death and the devil (Col. 1:13-14). It means to enter into Christ's Kingdom (john 3:5), and to live with Him forever.
From the Large Catechism, part 4, paragraph 25
From the Large Catechism, part 4, paragraph 25
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The devil's agenda
Another nugget from John Jeske's great book, "Connecting Sinai to Calvary"
(Satan's goal) is to rob us of our thankfulness for God's good gifts. If it was within Satan's power, we wouldn't have a single piece of bread, not a single penny of income, not even a single hour of life. But since that's not in his power, he'll try to rob us of God's blessings by making us ungrateful and unappreciative of them.
(Satan's goal) is to rob us of our thankfulness for God's good gifts. If it was within Satan's power, we wouldn't have a single piece of bread, not a single penny of income, not even a single hour of life. But since that's not in his power, he'll try to rob us of God's blessings by making us ungrateful and unappreciative of them.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Have a Charlie Brown Christmas!
I stopped watching Christmas television specials long ago because they usually had nothing to do with Christmas. I stopped listening to radio stations playing Christmas music for a month or more because the songs they played usually had nothing to do with Christmas. But last night I was overjoyed to see one more time, "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
I think this program made its debut in 1965. The story was the familiar one - poor Charlie Brown can't seem to get the meaning of Christmas. He's certain that the commercialism of the season is not the reason to celebrate. He's puzzled that his friends don't share his same concern. And when he picks the one real Christmas tree in the whole lot and brings it to rehearsal, his friends let him know, in no uncertain terms, that he's failed again.
With Charlie on the edge of utter despair, it's Linus to the rescue. Walking softly to the center of the stage, he recites the Christmas story from St. Luke, chapter two..."For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Then he walks back to Charlie and says simply: "That's the meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown."
That's the moment when the tears trickled down my face (Yeah, I know - I'm a baby!). That's the news that never fails to warm my heart and cause every problem I'm dealing with to melt away. For me is born a Savior! For me! God loves me dearly! Loves even me enough to send His only begotten Son to save me from sin and death and give me the greatest gift I'll ever receive - eternal life in heaven!
On Facebook I've been reading how some folks love "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," or "Frosty the Snowman," or "Alvin and the Chipmunks." Sorry! I'm having a Charlie Brown Christmas this year. The meaning of Christmas is found in a manger in Bethlehem. Born there is forgiveness for sins, power for daily living and the hope of eternal life. Christmas is about Christ Jesus - nothing more and nothing less. Praise the Lord!
I think this program made its debut in 1965. The story was the familiar one - poor Charlie Brown can't seem to get the meaning of Christmas. He's certain that the commercialism of the season is not the reason to celebrate. He's puzzled that his friends don't share his same concern. And when he picks the one real Christmas tree in the whole lot and brings it to rehearsal, his friends let him know, in no uncertain terms, that he's failed again.
With Charlie on the edge of utter despair, it's Linus to the rescue. Walking softly to the center of the stage, he recites the Christmas story from St. Luke, chapter two..."For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Then he walks back to Charlie and says simply: "That's the meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown."
That's the moment when the tears trickled down my face (Yeah, I know - I'm a baby!). That's the news that never fails to warm my heart and cause every problem I'm dealing with to melt away. For me is born a Savior! For me! God loves me dearly! Loves even me enough to send His only begotten Son to save me from sin and death and give me the greatest gift I'll ever receive - eternal life in heaven!
On Facebook I've been reading how some folks love "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," or "Frosty the Snowman," or "Alvin and the Chipmunks." Sorry! I'm having a Charlie Brown Christmas this year. The meaning of Christmas is found in a manger in Bethlehem. Born there is forgiveness for sins, power for daily living and the hope of eternal life. Christmas is about Christ Jesus - nothing more and nothing less. Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Be faithful...
Sometimes my sinful nature wants to take over and lead me to believe that if anything good is to happen in my ministry it will be up to me - my efforts, my wisdom, my power will be what is needed to carry out my calling to the church.
Whenever I fall prey to this thinking, I always become stressed out, harried and depressed. Not a healthy way to live for sure. A very helpful person gave me some excellent advice, which I later had written on a plaque. It sets on the corner of my desk where I can see it every day. It reads:
Be faithful and watch what God does.
This was his way of telling me that I didn't have to be a "super pastor," somehow thinking that if any kind of ministry happens in the church, it's all up to me. That's what Satan would have me believe; that's what many church growth experts espouse; that's what my sinful nature wants to hear.
But God has not called me to greatness or busyness; He has called me to be faithful. When I simply carry out the calling He has placed upon me - to preach and teach the Gospel and administer the sacraments and be available to His people when they need me, His Holy Spirit can and will work mightily to change hearts and bring people into the kingdom.
"It's not up to me"...what a wonderful thought that is.
The same is true in your calling - be a faithful spouse, father or mother, son or daughter, employee or employer, friend, servant - and watch what God does in your life and in the lives of everyone else. God is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Trust Him today and watch what he does!
Whenever I fall prey to this thinking, I always become stressed out, harried and depressed. Not a healthy way to live for sure. A very helpful person gave me some excellent advice, which I later had written on a plaque. It sets on the corner of my desk where I can see it every day. It reads:
Be faithful and watch what God does.
This was his way of telling me that I didn't have to be a "super pastor," somehow thinking that if any kind of ministry happens in the church, it's all up to me. That's what Satan would have me believe; that's what many church growth experts espouse; that's what my sinful nature wants to hear.
But God has not called me to greatness or busyness; He has called me to be faithful. When I simply carry out the calling He has placed upon me - to preach and teach the Gospel and administer the sacraments and be available to His people when they need me, His Holy Spirit can and will work mightily to change hearts and bring people into the kingdom.
"It's not up to me"...what a wonderful thought that is.
The same is true in your calling - be a faithful spouse, father or mother, son or daughter, employee or employer, friend, servant - and watch what God does in your life and in the lives of everyone else. God is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Trust Him today and watch what he does!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Let's go to sermon!
Rev. Scott Murray writes the "Memorial Moment," a daily email missive that folks can subscribe to. He is a gifted writer and theologian (or maybe it should be the other way around). A few months ago he wrote something that caught my eye.
The people of Martin Luther's time, instead of saying, "Let's go to Mass (service)," said, "Let's go to sermon." They thought the proclamation of the Word as the center and focus of the whole service's activity. How right this is. The whole was known by its most important part.
I fear today that many churches and pastors have lost sight of this important distinction. What I mean is that is seems that in many churches the sermon and God's Word have been left to serve the music and the praise band. Some folks choose a church based on how the praise band sounds and whether or not the music is the newest and latest they hear on the radio. To be sure, music is an important part of worship. Music and hymns give us the words that we often want to express as we offer thanksgiving to God for the gift of His Son, Christ Jesus.
But the music is to serve the Word. I can go to church and do just fine without singing one song or hymn. But I cannot do without the Word of God. I cannot do without God's Holy Supper. These are the gifts that give and nourish faith. They are like water that nourishes a plant. I can live without music. I cannot live without the Means of Grace.
Don't get me wrong - I love music. Music so often gives expression to what I feel deep in my soul. It helps me respond to God's grace and mercy, His forgiveness and salvation. But music can never be the focal point of any worship service. To borrow from the prophet, Joshua, "As for me and my house, we shall go to sermon!"
The people of Martin Luther's time, instead of saying, "Let's go to Mass (service)," said, "Let's go to sermon." They thought the proclamation of the Word as the center and focus of the whole service's activity. How right this is. The whole was known by its most important part.
I fear today that many churches and pastors have lost sight of this important distinction. What I mean is that is seems that in many churches the sermon and God's Word have been left to serve the music and the praise band. Some folks choose a church based on how the praise band sounds and whether or not the music is the newest and latest they hear on the radio. To be sure, music is an important part of worship. Music and hymns give us the words that we often want to express as we offer thanksgiving to God for the gift of His Son, Christ Jesus.
But the music is to serve the Word. I can go to church and do just fine without singing one song or hymn. But I cannot do without the Word of God. I cannot do without God's Holy Supper. These are the gifts that give and nourish faith. They are like water that nourishes a plant. I can live without music. I cannot live without the Means of Grace.
Don't get me wrong - I love music. Music so often gives expression to what I feel deep in my soul. It helps me respond to God's grace and mercy, His forgiveness and salvation. But music can never be the focal point of any worship service. To borrow from the prophet, Joshua, "As for me and my house, we shall go to sermon!"
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Happy Church New Year!
Tomorrow is the first Sunday in Advent, the beginning of a brand new church year. Should we have a party to celebrate? Or is there a different attitude to take as we enter a new church year? The apostle Paul provides a wonderful example to follow in chapter three of his first letter to the Thessalonians. Be here tomorrow to learn more. Worship is at 8 and 10:45 am with Christian LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) Hour at 9:15 am - classes for all ages. Hope you can join us!
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