Pastor's Pen 04/08/2020

Christ bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus for you, the sinner. Jesus is marching His way to the Cross. Salvation. Christ makes everything READY.

Maundy Thursday

This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11)

Jesus Instituting the Lord's Supper. Christ’s Body and Blood for you to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. The Words of Jesus from Maundy Thursday are declared. Jesus serving His Disciples.

Good Friday – Christ the Sacrifice.

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. All your sins are on Jesus. Christ does SALVATION. You have been redeemed in the BLOOD OF CHRIST. You were a lost and condemned person. Jesus declares from the Cross: “It is Finished.”

Christ [delivered] me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, in order that I may be [wholly] His own, and live under Him in His kingdom.

Christ died for you. Your sins are buried in the Body of Christ. Everything is DONE. Salvation FULL & FREE. In Christ’s death and resurrection. God’s living Word proclaimed to sinners.

Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. (Luke 24)

Christ Crucified & Risen.

These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

God’s Word – fills you with life – life everlasting.

Holy Week.

The ultimate act of God's love. Christ Crucified and Risen. God's Steadfast Love that endures forever. Salvation is not potential – but FINISHED. You sins are forgiven.

Repent and believe the Gospel. Happy living in Christ’s saving work for you. Everything is READY. Gather around God's Word. Believe and confess Christ the Lord. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1)

Blessed Holy Week. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

The Value of Life in a Pandemic

A Message from Pastor Hale

We are in the midst of an evil, satanic pandemic – a disease prevalent over much of the world. Political leaders cry out: “America Must Act Now – And Act Big.” We must change our habits and attitudes, because the death is real and staggering. Over 9 million deaths are predicted this year in China alone. Most expect at least 700,000 deaths is the U.S alone from this particular pandemic. It is said 25 million deaths this year could occur worldwide that are not even reported. The tragedy is unthinkable.

The pandemic I speak of is not the Coronavirus though. That is, so far, a very minor problem compared to the millions of deaths purposely caused by the sin of murder called abortion. People are going absolutely bonkers over a few thousand virus-related deaths, but not millions and millions of completely preventable deaths. Nothing has to be done to prevent the biggest pandemic. The decision to not rip a baby from the womb just has to not be actively carried out. Will it be inconvenient? Yes, but we are making great sacrifices for those already living. And this is good, to protect others, especially the elderly. But why not allow our lives to be upset for those who will be born and eventually become the elderly – the very group that the world claims to care so much about right now?

The difference is not due to the morality numbers – but the actual subjects that could possibly die. If death can touch me and the people I have grown close to, that is a crying shame. But an unknown child I have never seen and do not want to care for personally? One that the mother has not chosen and is ill-prepared for? The heart-strings do not tug as much for the unseen and silent. But the holy law of God is not based on feelings or emotions. His righteous will does not change because the world is losing its mind. The value of life is from our Creator and His purposes, not our lives or decisions. And our Lord is letting the world know that we do not have control over our lives. But those who rest in His Word, have nothing to fear in death. Christ is risen! Your sins and fears do not doom you. Hope in life – and Jesus is life – is stronger than all sickness and worry – so repent of your worry and live in your death of baptism, safe with your Lord. He will keep you for eternal life.

We are completely interrupting our lives now to save a percentage of souls. That is good, loving, and godly. The things people loved so much, and likely worshiped, have gone away – sports, travel, movie theaters, and restaurant dining. But children are seen as a greater curse than Covid-19 to many. They will not let God interrupt their job, finances, and sleep with a little baby. Man does not make life, though, our Father appoints parents by His will, not ours. He connected the divine possibility of new life to His holy institution of marriage. Life is never our decision. We do not trust Christ who creates life in the womb. How we value life should apply to all ages. Life does not become more valuable with extra age. It starts out holy, from the very beginning. Our Lord is showing us presently that our lives are not in our hands. We cannot save ourselves. Christ's holy life was taken away on the cross for you, so trust the Father in heaven. Depend on His goodness alone.

We see government recommendations taken as divine law currently. All the public leaders and experts tell us this is a serious crisis. They have to seem like they care about the elderly. But nine U.S. states have approved legislatively of their death in euthanasia or assisted suicide – but only if the individual wants it. The country of Belgium alone reports thousands of deaths of elderly and those sick annually, and we do nothing? But if God allows a virus to run rampant, we are upset?

Do not look for comfort or value from the government – it has enshrined the legal right to death. Fear and self-preservation can only cause people to panic – to do something to save ourselves. Be wise, safe, and sanitary, but don’t think that your actions will make death go way. Do we deserve any better than this terrifying, unseen calamity of Covid-19? No, we do not, as a selfish nation or convenience-clinging world. This is why Christ’s death is most important – it is 100% effective for sinners.

Is the self-chosen murder of abortion more “dignified” than the much lower mortality of the Coronavirus? Does our choice and will to live change the sanctity of human life? How many hypocrites we have right now, who think that society should basically shut down for possible death, but will not even say completely preventable certain death is bad in all circumstances. Woe is us! “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye” (Mt 7:5). Pray that this calamity will wake up sleepy-headed and stubborn, godless hearts. The virus of sin has a 100% mortality rate!

The German Chancellor said recently: “But how many casualties will there be? How many loved ones will we lose? … These are not simply abstract numbers in statistics, but that is a father or grandfather, a mother or grandmother, a partner. And we are a community in which every life and every person counts.” But that is patently not true, though it would be embarrassing to admit it right now. “Germany’s highest court on [Feb. 25. 2020] overturned a ban on organized medically assisted suicide, allowing terminally and gravely ill patients to seek help ending their lives without leaving the country” (nytimes.com). During the midst of the Coronavirus spread, Germany decided to allow more death. Luther’s homeland has averaged 100,000 medically-caused deaths of the unborn for several years. Every life does not matter, according to their actions. Can anyone say our world does not deserve a plague?

People are losing their minds over a virus, which is very concerning and should be taken seriously, but the world applauds when we bring death upon ourselves willingly: “Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds” (who.int). Who will condemn this consciously planned man-made pandemic? This is easily preventable, but we can’t stand being at the mercy of an unseen virus. Who will suffer to say that all life is valuable and to be rejoiced in because of Christ’s mercy?

In comparison, the Coronavirus is small potatoes compared to the pandemic of death in abortion, euthanasia, and suicide. Act quick and with decisiveness for a virus, sure, but do not neglect the completely preventable pandemic. One we cannot control, but the other is a real crime of wickedness against God, our Creator. Sanitize and social distance, yes, but turn from thinking children are a burden and an evil because they destroy our plans and interrupt our social lives. They are a blessing from Christ Himself. Yes, babies turn upside down life and schedules, but all life is interpreted ultimately, and deservedly so by our sin. Death must come – and it is not our choice. We are not the gods of our lives – choosing how we leave this world. God sends gentle reminders that the end of the world is coming. You cannot stop it, even if you self-quarantine till your last breath.

People can react, blame, and yell about a virus, but we tolerate, promote, and allow a much greater threat. Do not grab all the toilet paper you can – but do see life as divine and meaningful. You cannot stop a virus, but you can love the life the heavenly Father gives to mothers and fathers. If one vulnerable life matters, then all life matters – not just the ones who can talk. So leaders who say things like this are correct, but unintentionally: “Nobody knew there would be a pandemic or epidemic of this proportion. Nobody has ever seen anything like this.” At the time of this writing, we are just crossing the threshold of 10,000 reported deaths world-wide from the Coronavirus, while the murder of the unborn is patiently tolerated, and even celebrated by many: According to the WHO, “every year in the world there are an estimated 40-50 million abortions. This corresponds to approximately 125,000 abortions per day.”

We are not in control of our lives. Nor should we be – sin is our fault. Death cannot be avoided, try as we might. Of this we are reminded again by a novel disease. We are surrounded by it – upsetting selfish, self-constructed lives of sin and pleasure. But only the hopeless embrace and choose death, calling it hope for women and the basis for equality. Do not choose choice as your god. It will end in destruction. Only Jesus delivers from death. Trust in the power of His resurrection for you.

The virus being transmitted now does not take orders. You cannot choose to live for decades more or be immune. Trust in the Father who sent His Son to die willingly for the whole world of sinners. His life was given for ours – for the elderly person who no one visits, and also the baby unseen and unrespected in the womb. Christ’s life and forgiveness is for all. Despite the inconveniences and interruptions to our lives, it is a miracle that our Lord blesses us with new life and that He lets anyone live on earth. Rejoice that you already have eternal life – do not fear earthly death more than God’s justice.

We deserve no worse than a 100% fatal pandemic, as when the water in the flood drown the whole world, save for eight souls. Thankfully, we have a God of mercy who baptizes into His forgiveness and Spirit. Rejoice that there is any life. Though weak and vulnerable, it is always precious – as you are to the Father. Christ’s life for you is assured, so rest from your sins and dead works.

Even earthly sickness and death cannot ravage hope in Jesus who receives sinners, giving them life forever. This makes earthly life a sacred thing, despite the vicissitudes and dangers we must face every day. Inconvenience and the thrashing of our schedules and priorities can be managed, we are finding out. We are willing to crash our economy to spare lives, when it is blasted from every source that we are in a pandemic.

Death, when the disease is our choice and pride, is never the solution. Denying God and His Law can never lead to real life. Avoiding human contact and trying to hold off earthly death a bit longer is not true living, though it can be done temporarily in true love for others. The bigger pandemic of self-preservation and convenience is a self-chosen death of a different sort, no matter how much sinners glorify their evil decisions.

Mourn death and sorrow for lost life and the raging spread of deadly disease, but mourn even more for the certain death that man perpetrates on the most helpless and neglected lives, in the most selfish and malicious way. Rejoice in the life our Lord gives to you and to others. Life is better than death. If one pandemic requires action and the rearranging of our lives, the other does also. Amen. 

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Pastor's Pen 03/06/2020

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)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus MUST go to the CROSS. It is NECESSARY. There is no other way for your salvation. Adam’s sin brought condemnation on all. We are born sinful and unclean. Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (Romans 5)

Jesus’ face is set resolutely on the CROSS. Jesus marches to His death. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1) God's righteous anger burns against sin. The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53)

God’s wrath against law breaking sinners. But Christ is your substitute – to take the wrath of God for you. Before Christ’s Crucifixion, Jesus prayed. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26) Jesus prays this three times. THY WILL BE DONE. Jesus takes the cup filled with the wrath of God and He drinks it down to the dregs. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5)

On Good Friday's Tree all the sins of the world are buried in the Body of Christ. Jesus kills your sin on the Cross. Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1)

Christ prays from the Cross for you. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23)

The Holy Absolution. Your Pastors are sent by God to proclaim to the penitent sinner that their sins are forgiven ALL FOR CHRIST’S SAKE. The Good News of the GOSPEL.

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. (John 20)

The forgiveness of sins is the GOSPEL TREASURE. Christians are to speak this word of forgiveness one to another. As Jesus taught you in the Lord's Prayer. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4)

You have been reconciled to God. Living in the forgiveness of sin. Forgive those who sin against you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5)

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

What is a Christian?

A Message from Pastor Hale

It is not unusual for the world to make this mistake, but I wish it were uncommon to hear pastors, theologians, and church literature assume that because someone goes to church regularly, as a committed member, they are a true Christian. We might talk like that, but do our works, even church attendance, really make us Christian? No, that would be a denial of justification by faith in Jesus, the Lord over sin and death.

This is not to say church attendance is not highly to be praised and necessary. But like breathing, it is not sufficient, by itself, to say that God is pleased with a person in Christ – that he is justified, and therefore righteous before God. That is all we can go by at times, and we should judge those who despise church because they are despising God’s Word, and therefore Christ Himself. Church discipline requires such negative judgments. So despising God’s Word marks one weak in faith, or as one without faith at all, but the reverse is not true. Not even a pastor preaching every week for his paycheck or a pastor’s wife going out of obligation and for the sake of appearance is a sure and certain sign of faith – that one is a genuine Christian.

Going to church, where the Word of God is, as a habit, is not enough to say one is truly a Christian. No external routine we enact in our lives proves we have faith and the Holy Spirit. We must assume that those who hear the Word are Christian, unless they provide evidence to the contrary, but merely occupying some amount of volume in a sanctuary does not mean Christ is in him or he is in Christ (Jn. 15). “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God … unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3). So to assume that being a Christian is simply a collection of habits, duties, or motions is to deny justification through faith, on account of Christ – the central article of Christianity that actually makes Christians holy in Christ, by clothing us in God’s own righteousness.

Can an atheist enter church doors without combusting? Can regular pew-sitters and long-time members commit adultery in between their church-sittings? Can abortion practicers lounge comfortably and confidently in a church pew Sunday morning? Can the person inflamed with lust, hatred, and sinful desire sleep through a sermon or Bible study, secretly seething in satanic thoughts? Yes, and it is especially easy to do these works, under a religious pretense, where the Word of God is not proclaimed in its full extent and power, requiring actual repentance and severely reproving sin under the penalty of hell. “They do all their deeds to be seen by others” (Mt. 23:5) Being present in a church building can be a show – who doesn’t want to look spiritual and holy? Sinners certainty don’t mind.

There are many churches, even in the so-called “orthodox” Lutheran synods, where the sermons are as harmless as story time at the public library – no one is called out for sin or offended by God’s damning law. After all, sin is not an external condition, like a skin rash. Making an appointment at church is not the cure, in itself, for your sin: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Mt. 23:25).

Do not forget about the Pharisees who took the best seats – they were regular front row attenders! I think we can all agree they are not the best examples of Christian faith. But they were great attenders of church. They worshiped (outwardly) the Scriptures and devoted themselves to public prayer. They gave generously. Should you do these things? Yes, but none of them mark you as a Christian. Woe to you, if you assume you are Christian by what you do! Turn from your sin and trusting in your own works before it is too late. Stop hoping in your dead deeds of the flesh and turn to the living Christ. Do not think Christ on the Last Day will be impressed with perfect church attendance or your tax-deductible giving. If righteousness consists in what you do, you are doomed: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” You have not done enough for God, even if you have never missed a sermon or a trip to the altar for Communion.

The problem is that Christianity, though it involves outward things (the Word and the sacraments), is not a purely outward thing. God actually changes a person from within by the righteousness of Christ given in the Gospel. Faith is not imaginary. A person cannot follow Satan and his own flesh, and be a disciple of Christ. This distinction is often lost today. But “he or she went to church” it is said, as if that fact alone replaces the righteousness of Christ and our justification before the Father. Regular church attendance does not make self-murder or sexual sin acceptable or Christian – by definition the person who murders himself does not intend to keep hearing the Word gladly. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Mt. 23:23).

Does receiving the holy body and blood of Christ make or mark one as a Christian? “So, on that Sunday morning, Kobe Bryant presented Himself at the altar at his church, freely opened his mouth to receive the wafer and wine, signaling his dependence on Jesus Christ and the absolute justice-mercy of Golgotha” (Wallace Henley, Christian Post). The external action, in itself, says nothing about faith in the heart. Communing is a public confession, certainly, but it is not a certain mark of having Christ’s righteousness and being justified. Can’t a hypocrite parade like a peacock, trying to look spiritual, to the altar, and open his mouth to eat and drink?

If the act of communing means one is definitely in Christ by faith, any dog or pig can be a perfect Christian, since they can eat wafers and lick up wine, as well as any human. If the external motion of receiving communion (just eating and drinking) is portrayed as the cause of making one Christian or a true indicator of Christianity, then faith alone is denied. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” We can see the eating and drinking, but not faith in the heart that the Spirit works. The Corinthians ate and drank very well, but unworthily. The result was that “many of them” were “weak and ill, and some have died” (1 Cor. 11). Mere eating and drinking, without faith or repentant self-examination, is harmful, not helpful. It can actually bring one under God’s condemnation, which is why simply allowing unrepentant and uninstructed people to communion is not a simple way to make more Christians.

Christians are sheep led by Christ who believe and are counted as holy to the Father. The Spirit dwells in them, uniting them together in the body of Christ. The Church is a holy creation of the Spirit, through the powerful Word of God. It is not a mere outward association – like belonging to the rotary club. The Father makes Christians alive in the Son. They are chosen and called by the Gospel. They do not continue to live for the world and their flesh. Christ is their master and head.

But being in the presence of the Word does not denote repentance or faith. It is a doctrinal error to attribute Christian faith solely to being within the proximity of the Word or a church building. Sitting in a pew does not mean one is in Christ, absolved of sins. So also, repentance and good works, are of God – they are not enacted by human efforts. They are not mere human actions, nor does the Word do them automatically – so that we can do, think, or believe according to our sinful nature.

It is a grave mistake to think that just receiving the Lord’s Supper outwardly, or hearing the message of a preacher, is enough for God to be pleased with you. For “without faith it is impossible to please” God (Heb. 11:6). Church attendance, done out of fear, obligation, or tradition is just another sinful, human work – that God must deny as righteous. Have we loved God every moment, even while we sit and try to appear holy in our Sunday best? No. Likewise, the Pharisees were careful and dutiful givers – as every Christian should be – but that was not enough to make them God’s children: “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Lk. 11:42).

God does not work repentance without our knowledge, participation, or realization. The Gospel actually does something! The Spirit births us to God, new and righteous in Christ. So, yes, the Christian goes to church and does good works. He is generous and giving, abounding in good works, but those things are merely the fruit of the Spirit, flowing from faith in Christ. What we do can never eclipse what Christ has done for us and the Spirit who makes us alive. Go to church, yes, but not as a dead formality or pharisaical show-off time, but to be forgiven and trust in the Word rightly spoken – to receive Christ’s righteousness for yourself and make it yours by faith. We are renewed in the image of Christ, and given a living hope, so we gladly hear the Word and believe in Christ who encourages, forgives, and comforts us with everlasting life. Amen.

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Coronavirus Announcement and Resources

Dear saints at Zion,

In this time where routines and plans are upset, our attention should be on the Word of God.

Please do note we post sermons and services online.

Also see the helpful articles below.

And God your Father has promised to hear every prayer made through Christ in faith, no matter where you are at. Use God's name well, whether at home, serving others, or church. "We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks." Trust the Almighty Father to deliver you from death, for the sake of Jesus' suffering and victorious rising.

In peaceful and turbulent times, confidence in Christ, who rose from the dead, over our sins, is not optional for the Christian. May the Lord cause us in this time of humbling to focus on the one thing needful in this life--faith in Christ's strong promises.

Heavenly Father, move our nation, and all nations of the world, to repentance in this time of uncertainty and tragedy, that sinners would listen to your Word and serve you alone at all times. Grant us safety in this life, as we long for the holy life in Your Kingdom above, which you have given us in Jesus' Word. Amen.

in Christ,

Pastor Berndt and Pastor Hale

 

Resources

Love in a Time of Social Distancing

 

A Toilet Paper Faith: How to React to Panic

 

The Coronavirus and Church

 

Being Christian while facing the Coronavirus

 

A Pastor's Thoughts on the Coronavirus

 

 

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Published: 14 March 2020 14 March 2020

Last Updated: 03 April 2020 03 April 2020

Pastor's Pen 02/18/2020

Return to the LORD with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. (Joel 2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. God's anger burns hot against sin. God’s wrath against sinners. Lust. Lies. Gossip. Hate. Arrogance. Pride. God's Law is preached against sin. For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6)

Repent of your sin. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1)

God in His mercy sends you His Word. The Word of God that justifies sinners.

The bible teaches that there is a difference between regret and godly grief. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. (2 Corinthians 7)

The Law exposes our sin. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love...blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. (Psalm 51)

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1)

God in His mercy sends you Jesus. Christ is your substitute. Christ stands in your place under the wrath of God to take the punishment due you.

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. For if 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)

Lent has arrived. Lent is a 40 day journey to the Cross and Empty tomb of our Lord, highlighting Christ’s work to save sinners. Jesus’ Passion. What to do these 40 days? Hear the Word of the Lord. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51) The Word of God gifts repentance. The Word is at work on your heart.

After hearing God’s Word preached we sing the Offertory. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51)

Happy hearing the Word of the Lord. The Word that justifies you. Happy Repenting of your sins. Happy believing the Gospel. Blessed Lent. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. (Joel 2)

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Published: 19 February 2020 19 February 2020

Last Updated: 19 February 2020 19 February 2020

Pastor's Pen 02/05/2020

 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Valentine's Day. Do not fall into the worlds trap in regards to LOVE. The world seeks love in all the wrong places.

True LOVE is from God. This is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4)

God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3)

LOVE is NOT a feeling or emotion that comes and goes like a mist. Many times people will describe love as something that they have fallen into. As if you have fallen into the ditch. Falling describes being out of control. God is LOVE. Christians are the RECIEVER of God's LOVE. The church is described as “the Lord’s Beloved Bride."

Jesus on the Cross suspended between heaven and earth is God’s LOVE for you. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5)

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15)

Christ’s Passion – Christ gives His Life for you. The Cross & Empty Tomb of Jesus is God's LOVE for you, forgiving all your sins. God's STEADFAST LOVE that endures forever... The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who LOVED ME and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2)

Christ the GIVER – YOU the Church are the RECIEVER OF GOD’S LOVE. Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle. (Ephesians 5)

Christians live in Christ’s LOVE – in FAITH toward God and LOVE for your neighbor. Be imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5) Walking in love means to serve, give, and sacrifice on behalf of your neighbor. Gentlemen, the flowers and chocolate are fine. But to serve your spouse is more than one day a year, then check it off your list. The life of a Christian is one that is marked by LOVE and SERVICE to your neighbor.

God so loved us, we also ought to love one another…If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4)

Love your family by serving them with God's Word. Love your family by bringing them to church. Forgiving one another as the Lord has forgiven you. Because of God's LOVE, you love your family unconditionally. Without limits. Without conditions. We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4) Happy receiving God's LOVE for you in the Good News of the Gospel. Happy loving one another as Christ has loved you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13)

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Published: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020

Last Updated: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020

Pastor's Pen 01/15/2020

 

When Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him. (Matthew 3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. HEAVEN is OPENED by Christ Jesus. At the Baptismal font in the River Jordan. Jesus standing in the place of sinners. What do sinners deserve? Death. For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6)

From the banks of the Jordan – Jesus’ face is set resolutely on His journey to Calvary's Cross. Jesus paying for ALL your sins. Jesus dying in the place of sinners. By the Blood of Jesus HEAVEN is OPEN.

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1) God the Father is well pleased with His Beloved Son. Jesus has come to bring you back to God. We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 1)

Believing in Jesus you are pleasing to God. There is no other way to the Father except through the Son. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus, crucified and risen for you. In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3)

In Holy Baptism HEAVEN is OPEN to you. God proclaims that He is well pleased with you. Baptism now saves you…through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3) Jesus WINS salvation for you. Jesus DELIVERS salvation to you in His Word.

You are the baptized Children of God. Washed clean in the flood of forgiveness at the font.

He saved us…according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. (Titus 3)

HEAVEN is OPEN. You are precious to our Lord – He has gifted you JESUS.

BUT what about my sin? The sins that continue to war against me? Where do we turn? THE WORD OF GOD! Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal. 2)

In Baptism the flood of forgiveness never runs out. Your Old Adam is at war against your new life in Christ. What to do with sin? Kill it! REPENT. What comes forth from the waters of BAPTISM? New Life. Resurrection Power. Life lived by faith in Christ.

Luther says: (Baptism) indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sin and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (Romans 6) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. (Mark 16) HEAVEN is OPEN. Happy living as the Lord's Baptized Children. Repenting & believing in Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020

Last Updated: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020

Pastor's Pen 01/02/2020

 

Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt…for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. (Matthew 2)

Merry Christmas. What does 2020 hold for you? New Year's resolutions? Gym membership? New diet? A budget?

Christians suffer. In every age of this sin-filled world. All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3)

Jesus is born and Herod wants Christ dead. The shadow of the Cross is looming. Joseph flees to Egypt. Christ’s CROSS will wait until Good Friday’s Tree.

Jesus 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)

Herod is in a rage that he has been fooled. He will not allow another king to threaten his kingdom. The soldiers are given the order to swing the sword. Herod had killed all the male children in Bethlehem…all who were two years old or under. (Matthew 2)

The Herods of this world are filled with rage against Christ. They continue to make war against Christ’s Church. The soldiers are sent out marching to bring death. Today it looks like a (Planned Parenthood) clinic that brings death to little babies. I will require a reckoning for the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. (Genesis 9)

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6)

Christians suffer for standing for LIFE. Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. (Proverbs 31) The little baby in the womb cannot speak. There is a silent cry for help.

Christians stand for life. I came that they may have LIFE and have it abundantly. (John 10)

What will 2020 be for you? God's Word preached into your ears and hearts bringing life everlasting. The LIFE giving Waters of Holy Baptism. Christians filled with confidence. This NEW YEAR – the Lord has gifts that REIGN ETERANAL FOR YOU TO LIVE IN BY FAITH.

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. (John 11)

Christians filled with LIFE in Christ. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5)

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Published: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020

Last Updated: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020

Pastor's Pen 12/18/2019

 

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. (Luke 2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The angel sent from heaven down to earth is preaching the Good News of the Gospel. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1)

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1)

No longer are you alone. No longer is life an aimless wandering. No longer do you need to fear death. Why? Good News of Great Joy. Jesus is born of the Virgin Mary. God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3)

Jesus comes to take the wrath of God due sinners. When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy. (Titus 3)

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY IS CHRISTMAS. God brings salvation FULL & FREE.

You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1)

Jesus has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil. Jesus came from heaven down to earth out of His LOVE FOR YOU. Jesus’ destination is the Cross of Calvary – to hang from the TREE all your sins in His Body. The wood of the stable must give way to the wood of the Cross.

After the Angel preaches the Good News to lowly Shepherds, Heaven breaks wide open. The Angelic choir is singing. A multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2)

God the Father is glorified in the work of His Son. God is glorified as sinners are brought to faith in Jesus. Jesus brings PEACE – PEACE with God. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. He breathed on them “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. (John 20)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Christ gifts you Christmas peace. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. (Colossians 3)

Christians have Christmas peace through the forgiveness of sins. Forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3)

Peace be with you. Merry Christmas. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020

Last Updated: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020