Baptism and Abortion

A Message from Pastor Hale

Those who hate life and fight for the right to destroy it also see Baptism as a great evil. Baptism, as a divine gift, bestows Christian status on children. And everyone knows that a newborn is not significantly different from an unborn child. The distinction is simply location, and the mode of dependence on a mother. It is much like asking someone if he feels older on his birthday than he did the day before his birthday. Human distinctions, like age, net worth, physical ability, and born or unborn, do not get to the root of the value of life.

Life is something much more distinctive than our reckoning of it. It has intrinsic value, since God is the creator of life. All human life is made in His image. So instead of looking at the outward condition of life – what we look like and how much we can achieve on earth – we look to the origin of life. All life is divine, in a sense, since we have a divine maker who calls us to protect and preserve what He has created. The fifth commandment sums this up in these words: “You shall not murder.” As individuals, we do not have power over life. It is not ours to control, eliminate, or decide if it should exist. This angers and frustrates many, who see life not as a gift, but as a curse.

But the issue becomes imminently practical because children are not mental choices. Women do not choose to be pregnant or not pregnant. God decides to create life and connects His blessing of children to marriage. Neither do we get to pick how many children we are fruitful with, since husband and wife do not create, they are simply the vessels God uses to bring forth life – to do His work. “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” God really was blessing us, and continues to bless with each and every baby, but since sin and death have entered the world, children, and the lack of children, both mean suffering and some pain to sinners. This world does not work as it should.

But Baptism, as a gift for all, including infants, marks life as having divine purpose. God recognizes the value of life, even if people don’t. And we all do not see life as being as good as God does, because we all are sinners. Worldly people usually only connect cost, trouble, and work with children – all negative things. Checking out at the store one time with a number of my children, a lady said to me: “How are you going to pay for their college?” That is a strange thing to say to a father with very young children. It makes it seem as if college is a divine sacrament giving life – at a heavy cost. But life is free, all it takes is a little water and the allpowerful Word of God. Baptism is to set the course for life living in Christ. It changes what appears to be only work and care and misery, into a divine privilege. Parents get to raise up children for God and lead them to Christ, where grace and love is found. The forgiveness and dignity bestowed in Baptism is life-changing. Because we are baptized we know that God has forgiven all unrighteousness, saved from death, and given an eternal inheritance. Baptism really does change everything.

True life in Christ is a gift. He is the redeemer of all life and He gave His life to win righteousness for us. This forgiveness changes how life is seen. Despite the work and effort needed to raise and care for children, life is always good. In spite of the sin and earthly problems we see, Christ’s righteousness is available for us. It is granted to the youngest among us – freely as a gift. It angers some Christians and many atheists that baptized children cannot choose to be baptized or reject baptism of their own will. But this is how God intended it – we didn’t choose our own earthly life and have no true power over it. Life in Christ, the second birth, is a gift of God. So also, eternal life and Christ’s righteousness are divine gifts that are not chosen or demanded, they are merely received. This is the life of faith, living by God’s promise. True living is living by Christ’s Word and promise. Those in Christ never die.

So Christians should have no guilt over bringing life into a cursed world. The curse of sin is undone in Christ, who became a curse for us. It is always good for husband and wife to be fruitful and multiply. We need not fear how we will manage or how they will fare – God speaks His promise in Baptism and gives what He declares: a new birth in Christ through the Spirit. The knowledge of a good God, through Christ’s death and resurrection, is needed to see life for what it really is.

No matter how weak, sick, or fragile life seems to be, Baptism bestows the righteousness of Christ and eternal life. We are to die with Christ, according to our Baptism, so we may be raised with Him at the last day. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4). This newness and resurrection promise we cannot see with our eyes, but it pervades every aspect of life, especially for the most helpless and weak among us. Baptism undoes the curse we are under and shows life as what it truly is: a gift of God that is not to be separated from Him. Amen.

 

Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices.

Who wondrous things has done, In whom His world rejoices;

Who from our mothers’ arms Has blest us on our way

With countless gifts of love And still is ours today.

LSB 895:1

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Published: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Last Updated: 07 June 2019 07 June 2019

A Calvinist Critique

A Message from Pastor Hale

Calvinism – meaning double predestination, a limited atonement, and once saved always saved teachings – is logical to sinful reason, but not strictly biblical. It goes beyond what the Scriptures actually say. For example, a Calvinist writes: “God ordained the fall in His perfect plan for the world.” This implies that everything that happens is ordained and intended by God, and therefore must be good, “since God does all things for his glory and our good.” But Scripture does not say all things are good that we do and neither do all things work for everyone’s good. Murder and adultery are not good, nor are they caused or promoted by God. This promise of ultimate good only applies to those who have the Gospel and believe it: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28) We cannot apply this promise to unbelieving sinners who are purposely rejecting God’s will.

The other side of this is that God’s commands and Law are technically false, if God wanted there to be sin in the world. “And to this people you shall say: ‘Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death” (Jer. 21:8). Or: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him ...” (Dt. 30:19-20). God really means what He says. Sin is not willed by God, or else it would not be bad or He would not be good. The true God hates sin and cannot will or cause it to happen: “you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness’’ (Ps. 45:7; Heb. 1:9).

The Fall of Adam was the entrance of sin into the World. It was Satan’s tempting of Eve that led to our current state. If God intended the Fall, and ordained it from eternity, He is not really truthful. He commanded Adam: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die’” (Gen. 2:16-17). God meant what He said and does not delight in or will sin and death. He does not desire death and hell for anyone – Scripture is clear. Our Savior “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). And: “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ez. 33:11). We must take God seriously, that He wants us to repent and live. There is no glory for God in the suffering or death of an unbeliever. We do not rejoice at these, and neither does the perfect Lord. He does not rejoice at the sin we see or do. Sin itself is lawlessness and a rejection of the living God. God never wanted us to be separated from Him and His life.

If God ordains everything, then every accident, sickness, and disaster is to God’s glory. While God foreknows all things, the Bible does not say that He directly causes all things. While He allows (in some sense, because He is all-powerful and all-knowing) the Devil and evil people to cause havoc, we only find a loving God in Christ. To look outside of Jesus’ death in time, in a real human body, is to find a God we cannot know or love: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Rom. 11:33).

God does not truly hate sin if He intended and caused us to be sinners, meaning we bear no responsibility. The Law is not the problem, rather, it is we who are sinful and rebel: “The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Rom. 7:10-12). The evil and guilt we confess is truly ours – not the Lord’s, who never winks at or sanctions sin. Sin is our problem, not God’s fault. Christ died to save us from sin and wills that we do not sin anymore. “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:1-3). Did not Jesus, our true God, say: “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (Jn. 8:11)?

There are most dangerous side-effects to thinking that because God chooses some to be saved, He must choose others to be controlled by sin and condemned to hell. If this were the case (thankfully, it is not), the Gospel would be an empty word, because God cannot love or forgive, in time, those He has damned in eternity. But we know the Gospel is how we are called. We do not go behind the Word to some hidden judgment we cannot know. We do not have access to eternity or God’s hidden will. God always calls through the Gospel of Christ. This Gospel is not just to be preached to some, but to the whole world. We were chosen in Christ to believe, there is no other salvation than in the name of Christ. This message, like Christ’s death, is for all people.

God does not truly intend people to not believe the message of Christ: “In their case the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (1 Cor. 4:4). Sinners willingly reject the message, just like Judas did. It was prophesied that he would betray Jesus, but he was not a puppet controlled by God. He willingly sinned and betrayed our Lord. The problem is never the seed of the Word. Jesus did not make Judas do this or the Pharisees reject His message, they bear all the blame and are justly condemned for their own sin. God does not intend or cause sin, because He is holy and just. We cannot judge the evil and unbelief that happens on earth among sinners, and reason that must be God’s will. The Father’s gracious will is revealed in His Son, and given to us today by His Spirit in Christ’s life-giving Word.

If God does not mean for all to hear the message and believe, then Christ did not die for all people. This is a central tenant of strict Calvinism: the Gospel only applies to those for whom Christ died – the elect chosen to have salvation. But this is not a comforting gospel – it is a false one. Unless Christ died for all sin and for the whole world, we cannot know He died for us. Our comfort is in Christ, not something behind the Gospel that we cannot hold on to. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). The Father wants all to believe in Christ. The Gospel which forgives all sin is not false advertising. It is meant in seriousness by God to everyone it comes to.

Scripture is clear, that though many do not believe, they willingly sin and reject life in Christ. Hell was not meant for people, though that is the unfortunate result for unbelievers: “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Mt. 25:41). A God who damns for His glory is not a good God and not one we can love. We cannot answer in detail the “why” questions in the midst of tragedy and suffering, but Scripture does not blame God for evil. No, the Father hated sin enough to require His only Son’s death for it. Now His Spirit comes to us in the Gospel, so we believe our Father can use sin and evil (like in Jesus’ betrayal and death), for our good. But death is an enemy, the last one to be defeated (1 Cor. 15:26). It is not God’s will for any to die; death (physical and eternal) is always punishment, the wages of sin (Rom. 6:23).

A result of this kind of logical thinking (that God must actively choose everything that happens) is that it doesn’t matter what we do. We are either saved or condemned and nothing can be done to change God’s mind. Then the Gospel of Christ would be a lie, if it is spoken to those who are not being saved. It bypasses Christ and His Gospel. But forgiveness is truly offered to everyone who hears it, because He really paid the price with His own life. We can fall away though, and sin is a rejection of God, so we must be diligent. “Once saved, always saved,” is another false teaching of Calvinism. King David did lose faith and had to be brought to repentance by the prophet Nathan. We do not rest on our own faith, but Christ who was cursed in our place. There is no election, choosing, or salvation outside of Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ” (Eph. 1:3-5).

 The Gospel is the reason the world still exists and evil is allowed to seemingly rule the day. But everything that happens now is not the ultimate will of God, who desires all to be saved: “They will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” The believer is not fatalistic, thinking: “If God saves me I must be saved, no matter what I do.” No, Christ is to be trusted in as a true Savior and sin actively resisted. “For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened” (Heb. 4:2). The problem is never Christ, but our lack of faith.

To give into the power of sin and be ruled by it is to reject the promise of life and the Spirit: “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt” (Heb. 6:4-6). Rejection of the Gospel is always man’s fault in Scripture, not God’s or the Gospel’s – or else God is a liar.

Lutherans don’t answer the questions of why there is specific evil or why not all are saved. We know God desires the Gospel to be preached to all, so that all may come to a knowledge of Christ. But we see that not all are saved. We do not try to solve this dilemma, but we have a promise that in Christ all things work for the good of those who love Him. But we can only love Him who first loved us, as Christ did in His death. The Gospel is a message of pure love for everyone. This is God’s gracious will and how He has revealed Himself to us for our faith and knowledge. Because of Christ’s death for us, we can be sure of what the Lord thinks of us and that salvation is ours. Look to the Gospel of Jesus and believe that God’s love is for you. This is sufficient for us and it is what Scripture teaches us. Amen.

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Published: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Last Updated: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Pastor's Pen 01/02/2019

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. (Matthew 2)

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. What does 2019 hold for you? New Year's resolutions? Gym membership? New diet? A budget? 2019 will bring suffering.

Christians suffer. In every age of this sin-filled world. In the world you will have tribulation. (John 16)

After Jesus is born, Herod wants Jesus dead. The shadow of the Cross is already looming before Jesus. The Angel is sent to Joseph to announce that they are to flee to Egypt. Christ’s CROSS will have to wait until Good Friday’s Tree of Calvary.

The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified… And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die... (John 12)

Herod is in a rage that he has been fooled. He will not allow another king to threaten his little kingdom. The soldiers are given the order to swing the sword. (Herod was) furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region 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 the Church. The soldiers are sent out marching to bring death. It looks much like a (Planned Parenthood) clinic that brings death to little babies. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10)

Little Herods today bringing death. A culture of death in America. Some see death as a solution rather than sin. 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. (Prov. 6)

The Church will suffer for confessing the Truth of Jesus Christ. You will suffer for standing for life. In Christ is life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1) 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.

Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10)

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

What will 2019 bring? God's Word preached into your ears and hearts bringing life everlasting. Live in and from the Waters of Life from Holy Baptism. Come to feast on Christ in the Lord's Supper. Christ the Bread of Life. This NEW YEAR – the Lord has gifts that REIGN ETERANAL FOR YOU TO LIVE IN BY FAITH.

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 reconciled us to himself. (2 Corinthians 5)

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Published: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Last Updated: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Pastor's Pen 12/18/2018

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. Good News of great joy is all about Jesus for you, the sinner. 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. Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them. (2 Corinthians 5) GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY IS CHRISTMAS. God coming to bring salvation FULL & FREE.

That 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…This word is the GOOD NEWS that was preached to you. (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. GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY. Jesus’ destination is the Cross of Calvary – to hang from the TREE all your sins in His Body.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will… (Ephesians 1)

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’ saving work 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 them. (John 20)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Christ the Lord gives you peace that surpasses all understanding. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. (Colossians 3)

Christmas PEACE. Christians have Christmas peace. Peace in your life. Peace in our families. Peace in our Church. 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: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Last Updated: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Pastor's Pen 12/04/2018

The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Blessed Advent. Advent focuses us on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The earth prepares to receive her King. This preparation has been under way since the Fall into sin.

God's promises are passed down from age to age, generation to generation, and from parents to children – the promise of the coming Savior Jesus Christ for you.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9)

Jesus power defeats the Devil and bring you back to God. What a grand and glorious promise! What joy and anticipation looking forward to God's coming to earth.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation. (Zechariah 9)

Singing filled with joy at the coming of Christ. God always keeps His promises. When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4)

How to prepare for God's coming to earth? Repent! Repent of your sin. Because Jesus is coming to save sinners, sinners like us. What God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. (Acts 3)

Advent is filled with God's Word for you. God's promises. God coming to you in His Holy Word and Blessed Sacraments filling you with repentance. Gifting you repentance to receive your King, Jesus Christ.

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior...His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. (Luke 1)

God is merciful gifting you Jesus. Jesus takes your sins and buries them in His body. My soul magnifies Christ the Lord for His saving work. Christians regularly gather around our Lord to worship Him.

Advent is a great time to hear more of God’s WORD. To prepare our hearts and minds to receive our new born King. Gather around the WORD to hear more of God’s promises filled in Christ.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel. (which means, God with us).

This Advent be filled with joy as King Jesus serves you. Rejoice in repenting and believe the Gospel. Christ serves you with His steadfast love that endures forever.

God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation....Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 12)

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Published: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Last Updated: 15 January 2019 15 January 2019

Pastor's Pen 11/20/2018

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Christ’s second coming. Jesus’ Return to judge the living and the dead. What do the Scriptures teach about Christ’s second coming?

 

A. Christ will Return Visibly on the Last Day.

The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3)

B. Christ will Return to Judge the World.

When the Son of Man comes in his glory. He will gather all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25)

C. Christ will Return on a Specific Day Known by God Alone.

You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24)

D. Before Christ Returns, there will be Increasing Suffering for the Church.

In later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. (1 Timothy 4)

E. The Return of Christ is a Source of Great Joy for the Christian.

Christ will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9)

 

Christ’s Return is drawing near. How to be ready for Christ’s Return? Hear the Word of the Lord. Believe the Gospel. Live by FAITH in Christ Crucified & Risen for you. When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? (Luke 18)

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5)

The Christian always is – with the Lord. Christ’s promise to you in Holy Baptism “Never to leave you.” God with His people through WORD & SACRAMENT. The Church lives by the Word of God. By every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4)

What is the church to do while we eagerly anticipate the Lord’s Return? Watch and pray. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. (Rev. 22) Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10)

The Lord’s Church never despairs. We are filled up with God’s Word. We stir one another to LOVE & GOOD WORKS. Filled with God’s mercy and love – we love and care for one another. Compassion. Mercy. Kindness. Generosity. The Holy Spirit working through you for the GOOD of your neighbor. The God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5)

Happy encouraging one another in these Last Days. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 03 December 2018 03 December 2018

Last Updated: 03 December 2018 03 December 2018

Pastor's Pen 11/05/2018

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When it comes to your righteousness before God, it does NOT come by works. You are righteous by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11) Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”. (Galatians 3)

The Scriptures teach the doctrine of the TWO KINGDOMS. The Lord is at work in both for your GOOD.

God’s Right and Left Hand Kingdoms

With the left hand, God uses temporal authority which He establishes for the sake of restraining evil in society. This temporal authority is given the tool of the sword to restrain evil. Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.... He is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. (Romans 13)

This authority is exercised in rulers, public servants, judges, law enforcement, and the military. God’s left hand is used for punishment against law-breakers and evil-doers.

Government is NOT to oppose God on – Life, Marriage, Gender, & Children. The church is to call public servants to repentance for those who oppose God. Therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. (Psalm 2)

The Lord commands us to pray for those who serve in government to provide a peaceful place for us to conduct our lives. We ask that the Lord would bless our country with wise and noble rulers. That they would not be given to bribes or corruption. I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2)

God's Right Hand Kingdom He rules by the power of the Gospel. Jesus Christ Crucified, Risen, and Ascended. The Lord is reigning and ruling by the power of His WORD, Law and Gospel, serving you with the Means of Grace.

God raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. He put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1)

The church’s God-given job is to rebuke sin and forgive it where there is repentance. The government’s Godgiven job is to keep the temporal peace by establishing civic laws and punishing those who do not obey.

Rejoice that the Lord is at work in both His Right and Left Hand Kingdom for your GOOD. Of these Kingdoms only one is eternal – the Lord's Right Hand Kingdom – in which the Lord serves you with the riches of forgiveness through the WORD OF GOD.

We trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20)

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 03 December 2018 03 December 2018

Last Updated: 03 December 2018 03 December 2018

Pastor's Pen 10/23/2018

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Pharisees had a low view of sin. They thought they could overcome their sin by living a good life – their prayers, keeping of the Sabbath, and good works. (Works righteousness.)

Under the curse of sin we think we can work our way out of sin by being good. A path of futility, trying to please God with good works, will lead either to arrogance or despair. Truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. (John 8) We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. (Isaiah 64)

Scripture teaches that there is ONLY ONE WHO CAN SET YOU FREE. JESUS. The Lutheran Reformation returned back to the truth of Scripture. True freedom is in Christ saving sinners. The Gospel rescues you from the false religion of works righteousness.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3)

The Good News is Jesus saves sinners by His passionate death and glorious resurrection. Good Friday and Easter. We sinners do not deny our sinful condition. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1) Rather, we confess our sins to the Lord. Jesus has taken all your sins away by His Blood.

The beauty of the Reformation is a return back to the truth of the Scriptures. Salvation is not a work, salvation is not achieved, and salvation is not potential. Rather, salvation is a GIFT. The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6) No conditions. GIFT, GIFT, GIFT is Christ saving you by His mercy. Christ’s redeeming work is received by faith. Trusting that what Jesus has done He has done for you.

We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law. (Galatians 2)

Rejoice, Christian friends, in hearing the Gospel. The Word goes to work setting you free. Jesus setting you free. Jesus is God's gift to you in His Word. Jesus is God's gift to you in your baptism. Jesus is God's gift to you in Absolution. Jesus is God's gift to you in the Lord's Supper. The gift is not deserved or earned. Rather received and believed.

Men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works, but are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, who, by His death, has made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God imputes for righteousness in His sight. (Augsburg Confession IV Justification)

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) True freedom is lived in Christ. Living in faith toward God and love to your neighbor. 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 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