Jude 1 - Warning! Danger!

Jude 1 NIV

As I read the one and only chapter of Jude this morning I was reminded of the television show "Lost In Space," from the mid-1960's. About the only thing that I can truly recall from the series is the robot's warning: "Warning, warning! Danger, Will Robinson!"

Jude's letter is a warning to those who are lost and to those who are in danger of become lost. Make no mistake, Jude warns, ungodly people have slipped in among us. They are those pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality. They will use the grace of God to do whatever it is they choose and then say things like: "But, Jesus died for me. I can do anything I want. I am forgiven." But, even as the Israelites were saved from Egypt, many were unable to see the promised land because of their unbelief so shall those who do not believe be destroyed. They will not enter into the Kingdom of God.

We must heed the warning and be careful not to follow in the ways of the scoffers. There many attempts to divide us are a diversion to turn our focus to anything and everything other than worshipping and serving the Lord, our God, who gave Himself for us. We must cling tightly to the faith that was taught to us.

"But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." (vs 20-21)

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 John 2:3-11 First Comes Like

1 John 2:3-11 NIV

In any relationship, for us to believe and trust someone, we must get to know about someone. Recently, I saw a commercial that I actually like. It was a Zoosk commercial "Love does not comes first. First comes like."  I liked it because I know more than a few teen-agers (and at leas a few adults) who should really pay attention to this. Before genuine enduring love occurs, we must first get to know one another and actually learn to like each other despite all those little things we might not appreciate so much. Genuine love grows as we get to know about each other. There might be a whole lot less break-ups and divorces if we spent more time learning to like each other before we commit ourselves to loving and living with someone forever.

Our relationship with God is not so very different. In order to say that we truly love Him, we first must get to know Him. When we get to know about Him, love will come in the getting to know Him and what He has done for us. We do that by reading His word in the Holy Scriptures; gathering together to hear His Word in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ; by receiving Jesus in the Sacraments; and by spending time talking with Him in prayer.

Get to know God our Father; walk with God the Son; take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit and then your love will be made complete.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Peter 1:12-21 Warnings and Promises

2 Peter 1:12-21 NIV
So long as we live in the tents of our bodies we will always remind you of The Way in which we are to follow. It is our desire that all should be saved and will continue to remind and warn others who have chosen to follow after false gods; after desires of their hearts that will lead to their destruction.

These warnings and promises do not come from us; but have been carried through the generations by the Holy Spirit. Hear Him and listen; follow in His Way for the sake of your salvation.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Hebrews 7 - Redeemed by the High Priest

Hebrews 7 NIV 
Jesus is not just the King. He is thee High Priest. He has paid for our sins and through him we have been reconciled to God our Father. Do we get that? Do we understand the implications? We have been reconciled to God our Father. That is the goal of one who would follow Jesus. Being reconciled to God, our Father, through the sacrifice of the great High Priest, Jesus, by the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, is the goal. Is there anything more awesome than that?

It appears (from watching televangelism) that not everyone is aware of the goal nor of the gospel (good news of the Kingdom). There are many other goals. One of the most abhorrent goal is that of doing good works, supposedly godly works, so that one might become wealthy in this world. It is a counterfeit faith. It tells us that if we do this or that, God will bless us with riches, million dollar homes, expensive cars, airplanes, etc.. That is law; albeit counterfeit law. It is not the gospel. When did riches in this world become the first goal, the focus, of a Christian?

By his blood we are set free from bondage to the world. The pursuit of this world through the law over the kingdom throws us right back into bondage to things of this world. Any priest or pastor who teaches that Jesus came to make us rich in this world is not one we should be listening to.

Please, excuse my rampage this morning. I cannot count the times just in the past month I've encouraged people to be more discerning in what televangelists they're watching; even to just skip those channels altogether. And... then last night I found myself watching one. I did not sleep well because of the blasphemous things I heard.

I am not saying that it is a sin to be rich. There are many wealthy Christians. But, it is definitely wrong to promise that God will make someone rich if you send them your money. By doing that, the only one you're making rich in this world is the televangelist. The gifts of God cannot be bought.

Remember this, you were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus, not with silver or gold.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 6 - Move Past Elementary Teachings

Hebrews 6 NIV
We have just passed through the season of Lent and those last days that we call Holy Week. Each day we follow the path that led Jesus to the cross and then we watch him die. Each year, during this season I find myself grieving. I am grieved that there seem to be so few who observe this season and learn from it a more complete picture of what Jesus did for us and for our salvation. Each and every year, I grieve for those who have turned away because as the writer to the Hebrews tells us: "To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace." Note that he writes, "to their loss." And... so I grieve over their loss. I grieve that the one who gave his life for us is loved so little and taken so for granted.

We cannot go from Christmas to Easter without something happening in between. Although both great and glorious events, Jesus did much more than be born to a virgin mother and then be born again from the grave. Jesus had a life between birth and resurrection. Let us move beyond these very elementary teaching so that we might understand all that Jesus did for us and why he did it.

May God help us to move beyond just a knowledge and acknowledgement of the glory events and realize the life he lived as true man included a life of loving and humble service. The temptations; the sufferings, the persecution, the execution, he endured were quite inglorious and there was so much more. Let us not subject him to further public disgrace by not moving past the elementary teachings that even the secular world knows.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Timothy 1 - Fan Into Flames

2 Timothy 1 NIV
Paul exhorts Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God." We all ought to be on fire with zeal for
sharing the gospel.

I have been in many small and large groups when the conversation has turned to lamenting that the government and society are steadily taking away our religious freedom in this country. On a very rare occasion, I might be able to agree with this assessment. Most often; though, my response is more like "how can a government or society take away from us what we have already relinquished?" "It is not the state; but, the church who is responsible."

The burning desire to proclaim the gospel is rarely to be seen in society. Love and adoration of God is only a Sunday morning thing (sometimes). I hear that a root of some of our societal problems is that the Bible has been abolished in schools. Hogwash! Your children and grandchildren can bring their Bibles to school and they can read them on breaks. No one can stop those who have the burning desire to read them at lunch. At Christmas every year, I hear complaints that another nativity scene was not allowed to be placed on a courthouse lawn someplace in the United States. Yet, if I drive by the homes of those who complain, what I will find on their lawns during Advent, is Santa Claus or snowmen - no nativity scenes. I hear complaints that our public schools organize sporting events on Sundays so our children don't show up for worship. I don't get that! Christian children and parents have the right to choose what they will do on Sunday morning. They can worship if that is their priority. We can't blame others for our choices. And, usually, at least here in the U.P., it is not the public schools who are organizing these youth sporting events. The schools allow these parent/community run sporting organizations to use the gym. The parents (many whom are Christian) organize these events to include Sunday mornings. It is not the government or secular society who makes these choices.

Every Christian has the opportunity to decide what they or their children will be doing on Sunday morning. If the church is in decline, it is our own fault for not fanning into flame the gift of God within ourselves. Quit blaming the government. Quit blaming society. Proclaim the good news!

And, once I am on this subject, let me advise anyone who would bring their children to worship with us at Zion. Our main focus will not be teaching your children morality (how to behave). Unless they come to know Jesus, those good works amount to nothing. We unabashedly teach Jesus crucified, risen and ascended in order to fan into flame the gift of God. We believe that the knowledge of God's love in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit will reveal to all of our children (young and old) His will for us. The Holy Spirit will empower those who hear and believe to do His will. Faith comes by hearing the Word and we will subsequently proclaim the gospel. Good works will naturally (by the power of the Holy Spirit) follow those who know and love the Lord. We will not be ashamed to faithfully witness to His great love publically, no matter where we are or what we are doing at any given moment.

May the Lord our God grant us power, love and self-discipline so that with the fire that burns in our hearts we will witness to the good news of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Use it or lose it!

1 Timothy 1:13-20 Confronting False Doctrine

1 Timothy 1:13-20 NIV

Zeba Camp Meeting
 

Paul urges Timothy to stay in Macedonia so that he might command people not to teach false doctrines any more. I am a little nervous about this word "command." Have you tried commanding anyone to do anything lately? Personally, I find that it is productive only a very small percentage of the time. Sometimes people listen, often not. Sometimes, it ends up in endless and wearisome debates over things of the law. Sometimes, it ends by having to shake the dust off of my feet and move on (Matt 10:15) in order to share the good news of Jesus with others who have not heard.

Recently, I have had to talk to more than one person about the false things that they believe regarding the Sacrament of Baptism. It seems that more than one person I know wants to be re-baptized. They can reaffirm their faith often; but, I will not officiate at the re-baptisms of anyone. Doesn't matter how old you were or what congregation you were baptized at. We are not baptized into a church, but into the "Church" which is the Body of Christ. I also remind them that baptism is not our work; that it is a gift from God and to be re-baptized is to deny the gift that has already been given by God. I hope that I present the truth with enough grace so that they will not turn away but will continue to grow in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit received at their baptisms. Since, it is the Holy Spirit that works in them, I am confident that they will.

While it is necessary to confront false doctrines and myths, it can be very time consuming and wearisome work to which at times there seems no end. We have to be careful about how we confront false doctrine and blatant lies about Jesus. Constant arguing or commanding people to believe and teach the truth is not always the best way to confront false doctrines. Civil discourse is necessary; otherwise, confronting false doctrine can become a testimony of divisiveness in the church to the world; when we should be proclaiming unity in Christ to the world.  Confronting false doctrine is necessary; but, if we are busy proclaiming the truth of the good news to all people there will be less false doctrines to confront. May God help us to spend our energies in proclaiming the truth even as Paul put it to Timothy: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (vs 15-17).

God's Peace - Pr. J

Galatians 4:1-7 Child and Heir

Galatians 4:1-7 NIV
Rejoice! The time has come. The time has been fulfilled. You have been set free by the blood of Jesus Christ. You are a child of God; an heir of the eternal Kingdom!

All thanks and praise to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Galatians 1:11-24 We Believe? Really?

Galatians 1:11-24
Paul has warned us to beware of those who preach another gospel and today we hear him reassuring us that he received the gospel from Jesus Christ by revelation. He did not receive it from humans who might have predisposed biases to teach one way or another but from Jesus, himself. After three years of preaching the gospel; he then went to meet Peter and James (the Lord's brother).

What an amazing revelation that was. The one who had been persecuting those who believed was now preaching the faith and preaching in such a manner that others were turning and praising God because of his witness. This revelation of Jesus changed Paul's life forever. It changed the lives of many who heard Paul witness to Jesus.

You and I have heard the witness. We have received the Holy Spirit. Yet, how alive and active is our faith? When was the last time that our witness actually helped in any way to bring someone to profess Christ as their savior?

Do we truly believe? What is it that we actually believe? Have we turned and received another gospel? Lord, help us in our unbelief. Help us to believe!

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 13 A Threat and A Blessing

2 Corinthians 13 NIV
Paul closes his letter with a warning to the Corinthians that he will not deal lightly with those who have not heeded his warning when he sees them again. Paul's intent; however, is not to tear anyone down, but that they might be built up by putting aside the sin that dwells within them. His hope that they would all choose to live lives that would glorify God.

Apparently, he had a lot more authority than most Lutheran pastors. I was just imagining the response I would get if I wrote a letter like this and then closed with a threat for them to look out if they don't quit sinning. The church has definitely changed over the years. May God have mercy. God help us all to strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind and live in peace.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship  of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 7 Do The Hard Thing Only When It's The Right Thing

2 Corinthians 7 NIV
Love sometimes calls us to do the hard thing and confront the sins of those whom we hold in our hearts. It's not a matter of being mean. (If it is; back off.) It's a matter of caring about someone so much that you desire that they should know the salvation that is theirs through Jesus the Christ. We desire that others should know the joy that comes with living reconciled to God our Father through Jesus the Christ by the awesome power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul desired that the people of Corinth would know this joy. He desired that the people of Corinth should live their lives in reverence for God so he wrote them a letter reminding them how to live in Christ. Today, in our reading, we see him rejoicing because the sorrow that they felt when they read the letter brought them to repentance. Paul had no desire to be alienated from the people of Corinth. He trusted God and did the hard thing. In the end, Paul was able to rejoice because the hard thing was the right thing.

Make room for one another in your hearts. Do the hard thing out of love for others. But, if there is no love; then... back off because it is probably not the right thing.

May God help us to glorify His Holy name in love for Him and for one another no matter how difficult it may be.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Glory

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 NIV
Paul was not afraid to proclaim the gospel. He faced persecution and death; yet, that would not stop him from proclaiming the good of news of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, the veil that left the people in the darkness; that is the veil that had shrouded God glory, had been lifted. Paul wanted everyone to contemplate the glory of God. He was willing to do all that he could that everyone would live in the hope of knowing His glory.

Have you seen it? Do you know it? Has the veil been lifted for you. Do you know Jesus the Christ? Do you contemplate the glory of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Be not afraid. Be not afraid to share the glory of God in Christ Jesus with others. For He is the source of all hope.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Promiscuity

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 NIV
Well, today we get to talk about promiscuity... Just cut it out, hey!

Just because you think you can do what you want doesn't mean that everything or everyone you want is good for you. Get this: promiscuity leads to many problems; some of which can be deadly to both body and soul.

When we get to "Thou shall not commit adultery" in confirmation classes, we discuss this concept (reality) of two becoming one. When we are joined with anyone, we are united with them forever. No matter if the relationship lasts one night or one decade we will always be connected to that person spiritually and emotionally. Choose well with whom you sleep (or choose none), not everything and not everyone is beneficial to your life in Christ.

May the relationship that is of prime importance in your life be your union with God the Father, through Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 9:1-18 Speak With Integrity

Romans 9:1-18 NIV
"I am speaking the truth in Christ - I am not lying..." (vs 1) This verse never fails to bring a smile to my face. It reminds me of some young ones whom I know and love.

It is good when we can say with Paul I am speaking the truth, my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit. But, sadly that is not always the case. It is difficult to know when someone is truly speaking the truth and so we must depend upon the Holy Spirit within to help us discern the truth.

Paul's truth in Christ, sometimes hurt people. The truth is not always pleasing to hear. May we always speak with integrity for the good of those whom God loves.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Romans 8:1-17 Child of God

Romans 8:1-17 NIV
"To all believe in Jesus Christ, He gives the power to become the children of God, bestowing upon us the Holy Spirit." I say words similar to this just about every Sunday as I remind you, following confession, that you are forgiven your sins by God's great mercy. Paul writes to the Romans: "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."

By faith, we are the children of God. We are heirs of God; inheriting the blessings; inheriting the Kingdom that He has promised. The Spirit of Christ dwells within all who believe. Just as he prayed "Our Father;" as Jesus called God "Father;" because the Spirit of Christ abides within us, we, too, call out to "Our Father who art in heaven."

Rejoice, for you are forgiven your sins. You are a child of God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 5:1-11 Suffering and Peace

Romans 5:1-11 NIV
We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of sufferings, we can know the peace that comes with being reconciled to God through faith.

There are days when I just shake my head and think "Wow! Again! I thought we had this all worked out. The enemy just doesn't give up." Then, I am reminded that we too were once God's enemy. Yet, He manages to open our eyes and hearts and minds to a greater understanding of the love He has for us; even as He poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Yet, we are aware that there are those who have rejected the love of God. There are those who have rejected the Holy Spirit. We are aware because it is often through those who reject His love and His peace that the church endures suffering. But, we remember that God can work all things for the good; that our suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. We have hope that even those who cause suffering to others will receive the love of God through Christ Jesus and know His peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 19:1-22 Paul In Ephesus

Acts 19:1-22 NIV
Some amazing things were going on in Ephesus when Paul was there. People were coming to faith; they were receiving the Holy Spirit, the sick were being healed and demons were being exorcised. Paul was a busy man or maybe it would be more correct to say that the Holy Spirit was mighty active in and through Paul?

How active is the Holy Spirit in your life? In our life together? Think (really think) about the amazing things God has done for you and share those stories with others. If you can't think of any amazing things, maybe it's time to take a closer look at what it is that we really believe. Do you believe that the God who created the heavens and the earth can do all things?


Pastor J.

Acts 15 Division

Acts 15 NIV
There have been and always will be differences of opinion in the church. We are both saints and sinners, after all. There will be debates on what needs to be done and who needs to do it. But, we should always remember that we are not politicians. We are stewards of the Word and servants of the living God. We should always strive to listen to Him that we might follow in the Way that He would have us go.

When politicians debate the debates can get quite nasty. When Christians have debate, we need to remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and Christ has blessed us with his peace. Hang on to that peace; therefore, that the will of God (not our will) might be done through us.

Paul was called by God to proclaim the Good News to the gentiles. But, there were certain other disciples who felt that the gentile Christians had to comply with every aspect of Jewish law. Paul disagreed. Through debate, they came up with a final decision. The gentiles would not have to submit to circumcision.

When Barnabas wanted to take Mark on their next mission trip, Paul disagreed. He didn't think that Mark was quite up to making that commitment. Their debate was not quite so agreeable as the one they had just had with the other disciples. Paul and Barnabas parted ways. Paul taking Silas with him and Barnabas took Mark with him. They went separate ways proclaiming the Gospel.

There is a difference in the two disagreements you've just read about. One was about doctrine, which was settled amicably. The other was a personal issue. It is sad that their end up being divisions between brothers and sisters in Christ. But, know this: that no matter what happens, God can use even divisions for the good of those whom He calls. Paul and Barnabas continue in their proclamation of the Gospel to the gentiles, even though they are not together when it happens. In fact, as the two went separate ways even more people were reached with the Good News. Paul's love for Barnabas is not diminished by this separation for later he requests that Mark be brought to him because he is useful to Paul's ministry. (2 Tim. 4:11)

May God help us to avoid divisions caused by personal issues so that we are not distracted from our mission and help us to stand on those doctrinal issues that are necessary for the salvation of those whom He calls.

God's Peace  - Pr. J

Acts 11:19-30 Evangelism Follows Persecution

Acts 11:19-30 NIV
God can use even the worst things that happen for the good of all people. Stephen's death would definitely not come under the category as a good thing. Yet, even as he was being stoned he testified to the kingdom of God. Just before he was stoned; "Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" (Acts 7:55-56)

Here in our reading today we find that all those people who had scattered by persecution after Stephen was killed traveled far and wide spreading the Good News to both Jew and Gentile. The stoning of Stephen initiated a wide-spread persecution of the Christians; yet, it also initiated a wide spread evangelism movement.

Jesus promised that persecutions will come to those who follow him. But, with persecution; much blessing not just for the one; but for those who witness the persecution and those who hear about it. Persecutions do come; but, blessings comes with it. For, "blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:10)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 10:30-48 Heard And Received The Holy Spirit

Acts 10:30-48
Can you believe it? The Holy Spirit feel upon these unclean Gentiles! Peter testifies to these Gentiles what God has done for them through Jesus Christ and they believe! They believe and receive the Holy Spirit even before they are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Whoa! is that how it's suppose to work? The bottom line is that God does what God does. He is who He is. He calls whom He will call and sends whom He will send. He anoints those whom He chooses when and where He chooses. He calls and sends people to witness to what He has done.

So when the Father calls and sends you, go out and witness so that all people (no matter who they are) might hear, believe, receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized in the name of Jesus. Faith comes by hearing the message. (Rom 10:17)

God's Peace - Pr. J