Pastor's Pen for 05/22/2018Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. (John 20)

Christ has Risen! He has Risen indeed! Christ risen from the dead brings you peace. Eastertide rolls. Christ fills His Word with RESURRECTION POWER.

The Risen Lord Jesus shows up to have His Church. By the power of God’s Word. Jesus calls sinners to repentance. To drive away unbelief. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24)

On the road to Emmaus. Repent. Unbelief be GONE. Believe in Christ’s resurrection. The Risen Lord Jesus does the same with Thomas. Repent. “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20)

Thomas can no longer live in unbelief. Jesus, risen from the dead, destroys unbelief. Thomas now is confessing Jesus: MY LORD & MY GOD!

By the Holy Spirit's POWER you confess the same: Jesus, MY LORD & MY GOD!

That the 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)

Week after week Our Risen Lord Jesus SHOWS UP! Christ has His Church gathered around His Word. Repent. Believe. Receive. Jesus Crucified and Risen for you.

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

Jesus gives you peace. The Word of PEACE = FORGIVENESS! Christians rejoice in the Holy Absolution.

Jesus sends Pastors to PREACH & TEACH in Christ’s NAME.

I, a poor miserable sinner. By the Holy Spirit’s Power—you confess the truth. PEACE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. We confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1)

Pastors publicly proclaiming FORGIVENESS into our ears. FORGIVENESS—ALL FOR CHRIST’S SAKE. FORGIVENESS—CHRIST CRUCIFIED. FORGIVENESS—CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD. Peace be with you. Christians are free from the grave. Free from sin. Set free to live by FAITH IN CHRIST RISEN. Happy believing in Jesus. Peace be with you. Christ has Risen! He has Risen indeed. Amen.