Sins Are Covered

“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.” Rom 4:7-8

And, who exactly are those whose sins are forgiven? They are those who trust that the Lord Jesus has died for their sins. They are those who in faith in the Lord Jesus have had their sins covered by his blood. It is only be faith that we are saved.

And, how do we believe? How do we come to such faith? It is a gift of God. St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:17) Faith comes through hearing the promises of God. Faith comes through hearing what Jesus has done for us. Faith comes by hearing that because of his sacrifice for us, our sins are forgiven and that we have been reconciled to God.

Your iniquities are forgiven! Rejoice and give thanks to the One who has blessed you so richly!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Be Still and Listen!

If one gives answer before hearing,
    it is folly and shame. Prov 18:13 NRSV

It has been many years since I was trained as a small group facilitator. A major component of facilitating is listening; another is directing the conversation in a way that is helpful.

I was attempting to watch the news last night and found myself flipping through news channels quite regularly. I was getting a bit frustrated with the way the news people were constantly interrupting the people they were interviewing to get responses more in line with their or their station's personal agendas. During one particular interview, the news person was interviewing three people. Everyone was talking at once. It was not helpful not to be able to hear what anyone had to say.

At one of the presidential debates this fall, there was also much interrupting and trying to talk over each other. The people facilitating the debate just added to the problem. They had no control over the candidates mostly because the facilitators appeared to have their own agendas. They would also interrupt and try to talk over the candidates who were trying to talk over each other. They had no ability to mediate or moderate. I could not figure out why they hadn't figured out that they just needed to shut off the mics of the offending candidates until it was their turn to speak. That is what is done with online schools when children start interrupting too much. Our candidates and news people, of course, are not children. But, it would be nice if some of them would learn to be quiet and listen and if they cannot control themselves, shut off their mics for their own sakes and ours until it is their turn to speak. One mic turned off on someone rudely interrupting another would probably be the last mic that needed to be turned off.

If we really care about others enough to want to hear what someone is saying; if we really care about figuring out a solution to any problems; then we ought to be quiet and listen to various points of view. It is not helpful to talk over others or belittle their opinions (that would be bullying which we also try to teach our children not to do). We can learn a lot by being still for a few moments and listen to voices other than our own.

There are so many opinions in the way that we could or should go. Who can know the way?

If you care about what direction the Lord would have you go; then, be quiet and listen. Be still and hear what the Lord has in store for you. He will show you "The Way."

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 4: The Sanctus

Revelation 4 NIV

"Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying: "Holy, holy, holy; Lord, God Almighty; Heaven and earth are full of 

your glory: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest."   (sanctus; sorry, I don't have a hymnal with me, so from memory a few versions intermingled)

Every Sunday we sing the Sanctus just prior to the words of institution being said at Holy Communion. It is a rare occasion that I am not reminded, as we sing these words, of the various areas of scriptures that it's derived from; particularly, chapter 4 of the book of Revelation. I imagine the presence of those twenty-four elders before the throne of God and those four awesome living creatures, with all of the heavenly host praising God Almighty. We join with them and all of the faithful followers here on earth as we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for all that He is.

When questioned why us Lutherans are so adamant about following a liturgy and why we can't be more spirit led, I usually let them know that we are definitely spirit led. All scripture is inspired by the Spirit of God and our liturgy is from scripture. The sanctus is a great example of this.

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty . . .” (Rev 4:8)

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! . . . Hosanna in the highest !" (Mark 11:9-10)

I appreciate every opportunity to remind people that "faith comes by hearing the word of God" (Rom 10:17); therefore, Lutheran Worship seeks to provide the word throughout the service. It is heard in our liturgy; it is heard in our hymns; it is heard in our prayers; it is heard in the reading of the lessons; and, it is heard throughout the sermon. Faith comes by hearing. See you at Worship where your faith might be nurtured and grow through the hearing of the word of God. See you at Worship!

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Don't forget to read Revelation 4 - the vision is an echo of visions of Ezekiel as well as Daniel.

Galatians 3 Listen to Him! Hear His Promise!

Galatians 3 NIV
We are indeed foolish if we think that we can be saved by keeping the law for not a one of us can keep the law perfectly. There is only way to be saved. We are saved by grace through faith in the promises of God. We are saved by faith in that Jesus died for us.

Just as Abraham was saved by his faith in the promise of God so shall we all be saved by faith. And, where exactly would we expect our faith to come from? It comes from hearing the Word of God. Faith comes from hearing the promises. How can anyone possible believe something that they have not heard? As our reading for Transfiguration Sunday reminded us; "Listen to him." (Matt 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35) Listen to him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 10 Faithful Zeal

Romans 10 NIV
Many years ago, I was in sitting in a "religious" class and I responded to a question with this: "Faith comes by hearing by the Word." The response from the Pastor/teacher was no it does not and he moved on. That was that!

Paul wrote to the Romans: "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (vs 17) And... no, not everyone who hears the word will receive it and accept it. Not even everyone who claims to be a Christian accepts Christ. I know that's hard to believe. When taking instruction or receiving guidance from someone who does sit in a place of Christian authority, listen. Listen to whether they testify that Jesus is Lord or not. Discern whether their zeal is based on real knowledge of Christ or if there zeal comes from someplace else. It may be that their zeal comes purely from the fact that they feel they have been elevated to some high seat in the church or because they get to do "good works" for the world around them to see. There zeal could come purely from their own ego.

Maybe you noticed and wondered why I put "religious" in quote marks above. This word is used in many ways today. Often, I hear it used in a derogatory sense pertaining to all who would profess Jesus as Savior. Spiritual tends to be applied to those who do not know Jesus but have made contact with their inner selves. That is often presented as the preferable way to go. I believe the opposite is true. It appears to me that those who profess to be spiritual are actually "religious" as they tend to have all kinds of rules as to how to conduct ones life (a certain, personal, morality to keep some sort of balance in life) and those who profess Jesus as Lord are spiritual as they live with zeal in the knowledge that Jesus is Lord. They follow Him and not personal ego-made rules to live by.

Beware! Not everyone who would be self-described as Christian is Christian. Some are indeed "religious;" teaching things not found in scripture and denying things that would open hearts to the message of Jesus; denying the very truth that would save us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 2:1-12 The Gift of Hearing

Acts 2:1-12 NIV
When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, how was it that each and everyone one of the people in the crowd heard them in their native language?

Rev. Karlo Keljo was an amazing teacher. He was one of my all-time favorites. I still think of him often. He once posed this question to us. "How is it that every one heard in their own language, after all there were a multitudes of different speaking people present? If those disciples were all speaking at the same time in different languages how could anyone have heard anything at all?" Scripture tells us that the disciples received the gift of speaking in tongues. Karlo taught that at that same time the disciples received this gift, the people received what Karlo called the "gift of hearing." No matter what language was spoken, he proposed, everyone still heard it in their own language and understood.

I speak English and yet there are times that I am absolutely astounded that there are some people who listen that just don't seem to hear what I am saying. There are also others, who hear something other than what I meant to say. Usually, the understanding is prompted by the Holy Spirit; but, not always. When I first began my ministry, I was interning under three different clergy at a multiple of sites. After preaching at one particular congregation so that one of the pastors could evaluate my preaching; he called to say that one of the members of his congregation had requested that she get my notes as the sermon had helped her so much with a terrible difficulty she was facing. I asked him how she said that they had helped. What did I say that had helped her so much? When he told me, my response was that I should not give her my notes because I hadn't said that. Whatever she thought she heard was purely a gift from God and my notes might ruin that message for her. I attributed it to the "Gift of hearing." From my lips to her ears, the Holy Spirit was at work so that she received the message that God knew she needed to go on that day. I cannot explain the work of the Holy Spirit. I just know that it is the Holy Spirit who opens our ears and our eyes and our hearts to a greater understanding of God's Word and His will for us.

Receive the Holy Spirit and know God more fully.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 10:22-42 Hear and Believe

John 10:22-42 NIV
There are definitely days when I would like a little clearer direction from our Father. Maybe, I'm not paying close enough attention or just maybe I don't want to hear what He has to say to me. Either way, there are times when I would like Him to tell me "plainly" what exactly it is that He would have me do. Sometimes, I get it. Sometimes, I don't until after the fact.

I have also been told by more than a few that they just have a very difficult time understanding what scripture says or means when it is read during worship. They don't get it. At least, not yet. But, they will as long as they continue to hear the Word, they will get it for faith comes by hearing.

The Jews wanted a plain response from Jesus. His parables and the way he just generally talked about things were not easily comprehended by everyone. They didn't get it.

But, many did get it. Many do understand that the Father and the Son are one. Many hear and believe. (Romans 10:17)

Join your local congregation this morning (it is Sunday) for Worship, hear the Word, and believe.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Luke 8:1-15 Planting for the Kingdom

Luke 8:1-15 NIV
As Jesus is traveling about the region proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God, he tells a parable about a farmer sowing seeds. Not everyone is getting what he's talking about. They're a bit lost. He tells them, “'Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.' His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, 'The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'""(vs 8-9)

Do you get it, yet? It's about the kingdom. It's about how and why it grows. It's all about the Kingdom of God for you and for all who would hear and believe. Faith, after all comes by hearing. (Rom 10:17) Jesus' proclamation was about the Kingdom of God. Those things that he did and taught, they were so that the Kingdom would grow and be edified. They were so that you and I would know life in the Kingdom; life in His presence for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J


P.S. I'm afraid I sometimes give up on putting in the right quote marks in the right place at the right time - so for those of you who know grammar well; forgive me.

Luke 4:31-44 - He Is Risen!

Luke 4:31-44 NIV
Jesus healed the sick and kicked out demons. The demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" (vs 41) The demons spread the word! Jesus told the people that he was sent to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. Proclamation, that's what we're called to do. We are called to share the Good New of God through Jesus Christ our LORD. Even the demons did that.

It is Easter. This morning our proclamation is that He is Risen! He is risen from the dead so that all who believe in Him might live and not just live, but live in Him.

So, on this Holyday, what will be on our hearts and minds and our tongues? What will God's people be sharing with others? May all God's people share in this proclamation and not just in hearing, but in speaking this truth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Amos 7 - Microphones and Hearing

"Then Amaziah said to Amos,  'Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.'” (Amos 7:12-13 NIV)

The king Amaziah does not want to hear the word of the LORD. He does not want the people to hear it, either. His desire is that Amos not speak it any longer at Bethel, lest the people turn and hear the word and worship the LORD, rather than him.

A few months ago, I quit using my lapel mic. I just started speaking louder and using the mic on the pulpit more during worship. You see, every few weeks, someone would turn the mic down and I wouldn't find out until after worship that very few had heard anything I said. I would go back into the sound room after worship and turn the volume up, again. A few weeks later, the volume would be down again, but only on the lapel mics. So, I decided not to keep fighting it and just keep my own volume turned up by speaking louder.

In September, after a summer break, our Sunday school resumed helping to lead worship more often. They pray the prayers of the church every Sunday and on the last Sunday of the month they also read lessons, gather the offering, and usually provide an offering of song as well. They do this mostly from the pulpit so that everyone can hear. During the sharing of the peace, one of our members who wears hearing aids let me know that he couldn't hear a thing. I asked him if it was just the children that he couldn't hear, as they do speak much softer than I do. He replied that he couldn't hear me, either. So, I went back to the sound room. Sure enough, someone had turned the volume on the pulpit microphone down to almost nothing. Nothing else was touched, just the volume on the pulpit mic. I am not sure why whoever is doing this, is doing this. This is not the first time the sound has been turned down when our Sunday School was helping to lead. It has happened more often than I can count. A couple of years ago, it was during their Christmas program. Since, I was sitting in the congregation that time, I realized what was wrong and was able to get up during the middle of it and get it fixed.

Yesterday; though, I felt, for a moment, like we had been speaking to a brick wall; after all, there were many at worship, yesterday, who had not heard the word of the LORD during most of the service. They had not heard the scriptures read. They had not heard the sermon. They had not heard the prayers of the church.

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Rom 10:17)

Amaziah's intention was that he be lord of all the people. It was, he professed, his temple and the people would hear and listen to only what he wanted them to hear. I can't help wonder why anyone would want the voice of the LORD, His word not be read, by His littlest children.

May God help us to understand why anyone would persist in closing the mouths of the children. May God help us to pray for such a person and proclaim His grace to them.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Nehemiah 8 - Faith Comes By Hearing

I love it... "...all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law." (vs 3 NIV) and "Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground." (vs 6)

These people gathered together to hear the word.  They took it seriously.  They bowed before the LORD and they wept.  But, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites told them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep." (vs 9)

So often, I hear others say that you don't have to attend worship to believe.  Well, here we have the children of God and until they gathered together to hear the word found in the book; until they heard it proclaimed; they did not, seriously, take it to heart.  But, when they hear it, they wept.  But, this news that they hear is for their edification.  They are to rejoice that the LORD cares for them so much. 

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  (Rom 10:17 NKJV) 

Please, wherever you are, find a place to worship the LORD, in the community of God's people.  Hear His Word.  Hear the Good News of the kingdom, so that you too may rejoice in what the LORD has done for you.