Pastor's Pen 10/12/2018

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The WORD. The WORD. The WORD. The Holy Spirit is at work in the WORD calling sinners to faith.

Jesus is out preaching the WORD to SINNERS. Mission work is centered on Jesus. Mission work is done through the WORD. Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9)

Jesus is filled with COMPASSION as he sees the crowds without a shepherd. Meaning they do not have a Pastor. Sheep need a Shepherd to care for the Lord’s flock. “Feed my lambs.” Jesus said, “Tend my sheep.” (John 21)

The Lord of the Harvest has heard the prayers of the people of God at Zion. Our church has two shepherds to preach the Word. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3)

The Word of God is at work on you, the sinner. Calling you to REPENTANCE & FORGIVING your sins all for Christ’s sake. Christians regularly gather around the Word of God. Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10)

Sinners filled up with God’s mercy are called to be merciful. To live in faith toward God and love to your neighbor. To pray earnestly to the Lord of harvest. God is filled with compassion.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? How are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10) The need for preachers. Pray that the Lord will raise up more men to be Pastors. Pray that from Zion the Lord will raise up men to go to Seminary to be trained in the WORD. To faithfully preach God’s Word of Law & Gospel into the ears of sinners.

There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all... For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (1 Timothy 2)

Mission work takes place every day as the Word of God goes forth. At Zion (Word & Sacrament) where sinners are Repented and Forgiven. In our homes – Mission work takes place as a Father & Mother teach the Word of God to their children. In our vocation. As we witness to others the Good News of Christ as Lord.

Pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest. God called Rev. David Preus to serve as missionary to the Dominican Republic. In 2016 Rev. Preus came to Zion to preach. He gave a great insight of the opportunities to preach the Gospel in the Dominican Republic. All that was before his work of Word and Sacrament had begun. This week we get to hear an up-date on God’s Work being done.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1) Pray – Pray earnestly that the Word of God will go forth. That God’s Word would bear abundant fruit in the lives of repentant sinners. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 23 October 2018 23 October 2018

Last Updated: 23 October 2018 23 October 2018

Pastor's Pen 09/25/2018

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There is a war going on. It is a spiritual war. War arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. (Revelation 12)

Satan wars against Christ. Satan is at war against Christ’s Church. Satan brings his lies and accusations against you. Satan lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8) This war’s weapon is words. Lies versus the truth.

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8)

The Lord sends His Holy Angels to guard and protect you with God's Word. He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91) The word Angel means "messenger". What is their message? The Good News of Christ the Savior.

Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, His ministers, who do his will! (Psalm 103)

The angel Gabriel announced Jesus’ conception to Mary. The angel announced the Good News of Christ’s birth to lowly shepherds.

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…There was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2)

On Easter the Angels announced Christ’s victory over the grave. Christ has risen! He has risen indeed! Two men stood by them in dazzling apparel...Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you. (Luke 24) God's promises fulfilled in Christ for you.

They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. (Revelation 12)

Do not be afraid. God's Word has been signed in the Blood of the Lamb. God's messengers come to deliver GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY TO YOU. God's messengers fight against every evil scheme of the devil. God watches over His little ones – guarding and protecting you in the faith – by the Word of God.

Jesus has bled, Jesus has died, and Jesus has risen for you. Bringing peace. Ministering spirits are sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1) Rejoice! You are called to hear and believe the Gospel. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 23 October 2018 23 October 2018

Last Updated: 23 October 2018 23 October 2018

Pastor's Pen 09/11/2018

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. (John 3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Sin brings the wrath of God. In the desert the Israelites were struck down by fiery snakes. Many Israelites died. God told Moses to place a fiery snake high on a pole, that the people would look in faith and live.

This Old Testament lesson is a PREVIEW of Christ on the Cross for you! The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6) Our sin brings the wrath of God. REPENT. Look to Christ Jesus on the Cross taking the punishment due you. When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (John 12)

Jesus takes your sin into His Body. Jesus, high and lifted up on Good Friday's Tree, takes the wrath of God for you. Jesus was put to death in your place. Jesus died so that you can live.

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us...We have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Romans 5)

The focus of the bible is Jesus coming to save sinners. Jesus goes to the Cross to rescue us from damnation. Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (Matthew 16)

The preaching of Christ Crucified and Risen is what Christians gather to hear week after week. For the unbeliever this is foolishness. The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor. 1)

Helena, the mother of Constantine, went on a pilgrimage in search of the true Cross of Christ. She is said to have found it in her quest. No need for you to go on a search for a relic of dead wood. Rather, turn your ears to the Word of God. Christ Crucified and Risen – brings you life eternal.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Pick up your Cross and follow Jesus. As you suffer in this world, be comforted in the Crucified and Risen Lord for you.

Christ, the center of worship. I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne…Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5)

The faithful Christians gather around our Lord to worship Him. Jesus is with His Church in His Word, in the Waters of Baptism and in the Bread and Wine giving you His Body and Blood. Christ takes your curse and fills you with eternal blessings. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

 

On My Heart Imprint Your Image LSB 422:1

On my heart imprint Your image, Blessèd Jesus, King of grace,

That life’s riches, cares, and pleasures Never may Your work erase;

Let the clear inscription be: Jesus, crucified for me,

Is my life, my hope’s foundation, And my glory and salvation!

 

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Published: 23 October 2018 23 October 2018

Last Updated: 23 October 2018 23 October 2018

Pastor's Pen 08/14/2018

I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die. (1 Kings 17)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The widow knows what it means to suffer. Her husband is dead. Death is closing in on all sides. She is driven to despair. Hopeless. The curse of sin and death spreads to all peoples. The widow is preparing for the impending doom of the black hole of death. The Lord provided food where there was none. A miracle through the Word of God preached. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah. (1 Kings 17)

Is this only postponing the impending doom of the grave? Death consumes all in its path. The son of the woman became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. She said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” (1 Kings 17)

She has already buried her husband, and now she has to bury her son. Agony. Sorrow all around. What is there left to hope in? JESUS. The Word of God that preached into the darkness to bring life. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11) Elijah proclaims God's life-giving Word. “O LORD my God, let this child's life come into him again.” The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. The life of the child came into him again, and he revived.

God's Word is LIFE. JESUS goes to the cross to battle your sin and death. As a fisherman baits a hook to catch the fish. The fish bites into the hook for his end. Jesus is on the hook for all our sin. Death comes and bites into Christ. Jesus breaks death’s teeth. As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matthew 12) Jesus died in your place. He rose after a three day rest. The church gathers around our Crucified and Risen Lord Jesus each Sunday to worship Him. Each Sunday is a little Easter. Christ has Risen! He has Risen indeed!

Sinners gather around Christ. We come with our hurts. Struggles. Disappointments. We come with our weak sinful bodies. We come in FAITH, holding onto Christ’s Word. JESUS’ Word goes forth into your ears and heart. Truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (John 5) The Word of God brings life everlasting to you. Death can harm you none.

The widow’s sorrow is gone. The joy and celebration of receiving her son back from the grave. Elijah said, “See, your son lives. “The woman said, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”

How do you know that Christ’s Word is TRUE? Because JESUS has been raised from the dead. Believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. (Romans 4)

Great comfort and peace for you the Baptized Children of God. Living in God's promises. Hearing God's Word of life. If we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6)

When you are sick. When death is stalking you. When your sins haunt you. Run to the living Word of God. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. (John 3) Rejoice in God's Word of life reigning in your ears and hearts forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 23 October 2018 23 October 2018

Last Updated: 23 October 2018 23 October 2018

Steadfast Dads - Family Worship

This article by Pastor Rolf Preus originally appeared on the Steadfast Lutheran website on April 10, 2012

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Bringing your children to church is your first duty. Bringing church to your children is your second duty. The Holy Christian Church is identified by her marks: the pure preaching of the gospel and the right ad-ministration of the sacraments of Christ. The church is where the gospel is proclaimed according to a pure understanding of it and where the sacraments are administered according to Christ’s institution. We don’t identify the church by the faith of her individual members. That’s because God alone can see anyone’s faith. We identify the Christian Church by her marks.

What marks the church as the church marks the Christian home as well. We know that a home is a Christian home when the word of Christ marks it. There can be no hard and fast rules about family worship since every family is different and schedules vary from time to time and place to place. Stake out a time and jealously guard it. Then you will have time for family devotions.

The Christian father is the pastor of his own home. It is the father’s duty to lead the family in prayer. This is a simple, but profound, responsibility. Boys need to see their fathers exercise leadership in this area. This is how they learn that worship is a manly thing to do. Little boys are generally taught mostly by women in pub-lic and parochial schools, Sunday schools, and so forth. There is nothing wrong with that. But it is vital that a Christian father not abdicate his responsibility to teach God’s word personally to his children.

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Published: 17 July 2017 17 July 2017

Last Updated: 10 June 2018 10 June 2018

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Steadfast Dads - The First Duty of a Dad

This article written by Pastor Rolf Preus, was originally published on The Brothers of John the Steadfast website on March 6, 2012.

I would like to thank Pastor Scheer for this opportunity to contribute to Steadfast Lutherans.  The topic of Christian fatherhood is always a vital one, and this is so especially today in the midst of confusion – also among Christians – about what fathers, mothers, and families are.

The first duty of Dad is to know who is boss.  No, it’s not you.  And it’s not your children.  It’s God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.  “I believe that God has made me.”  In making you he has defined for you what you are all about.  The fatherhood of God determines for us Christian fathers what fatherhood is all about.

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Published: 06 June 2017 06 June 2017

Last Updated: 07 June 2018 07 June 2018

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Vigilant in Christ’s Truth

A Message from Pastor Hale

The error of evolution might seem to be a settled matter in the LCMS. It would be nice to assume so because its official statements are quite clear, but that is not the case as evidenced by a recent theological journal “issued by the faculty of the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.” Several articles have surprised and troubled many, in light of what some of our LCMS college and seminary professors are teaching. This is yet further evidence that the truth can never be taken for granted. We must be ever vigilant in defending Christ’s truth and not expect an institution or professional experts to safeguard it for us – it is too important for that!

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Published: 05 June 2018 05 June 2018

Last Updated: 05 June 2018 05 June 2018

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How Fathers Influence Their Children’s Churchgoing

This article written by Gene Veith originally appeared on Cranach - The Blog of Veith

Nathan Rinne, who blogs with Jordan Cooper at Just and Sinner here at Patheos, discusses a post that I wrote a number of years ago entitled “Raising children so they will go to church as adults”.

I drew on a 1994 study in Switzerland, published in 2000, that found that if the father goes to church regularly, the children are likely to attend regularly when they grow up.  If the father does not attend, regardless of what the mother does, the children are likely not to church attend when they grow up.

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Published: 03 June 2018 03 June 2018

Last Updated: 07 June 2018 07 June 2018

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Mission Sunday

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 3rd, for Mission Sunday!

Rev. Ryan and Emily McDermott serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as career missionaries in West and Central Africa, based in Togo, working in deaf ministry. In this role, Ryan works with partner churches throughout the region to recognize and develop opportunities to reach the deaf with the Gospel. He also identifies and trains leaders, both pastors and laypeople, for working in deaf ministry. As needed, Ryan teaches courses in deaf ministry and theology at The Centre Luthérien d’Etudes Théologiques (CLET), or Lutheran Center for Theological Studies, in Dapaong, Togo.

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Published: 26 May 2018 26 May 2018

Last Updated: 26 May 2018 26 May 2018

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Memorial Day

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Published: 25 May 2018 25 May 2018

Last Updated: 25 May 2018 25 May 2018