3 John 1 - Joy

3 John 1 NIV

 

I get so excited when I hear about the faithfulness of members of our Christian community here in Baraga County. It does not matter; old or young, they have become like my own children. With St. John, I can say that "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (vs 4)

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Four of our young people are affirming their baptisms through the Rite of Confirmation this morning. All four of them have caused me much joy as I've taught and watched them walking in the truth; by putting their faith into action over the years. Their faith is clearly evidenced by the love and concern that they have for God and for others.

Following worship, I will meet with another couple to discuss the baptism of their baby. I look forward to discussing the baptism of their child (our child) into the Body of Christ. I look forward, with joy, to seeing this little girl at worship and Sunday School as she grows.

May God grant all of our children, young and old, the gift of the Holy Spirit; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in His presence, now and forevermore.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 14:27-31 You Will Fall Away

Mark 14:27-31 NIV
“You will all fall away.”

On the night in which he was betrayed, he predicted that all of his followers would fall away. Peter did not believe it. Yet, they did. Judas betrayed him. The rest stayed hidden in the background so as not to end up on trial and crucified like Jesus. Peter flat out denied knowing him.

How many times do we hide in the background? Afraid to speak the truth because someone might not want to hear the truth and ridicule you or ignore you or maybe just unfriend you? Maybe, they might start ugly rumors about you and your faith. They might even call you something like "fanatical Christian!"

One of the rites of the church that I do not appreciate fully is confirmation. It makes me most uncomfortable knowing that these young people (teens) affirm their faiths, and promise to, with the help of God, to serve Him in the church and in the world. I warn them, that they will fall away and that they should really work on avoiding that. I ask them to please not make the commitments asked of them at their affirmations (confirmations) if they already intend not to keep them. I ask them to, please, not attempt to lie to God. Yet, they insist (most of them) that they will not fall away. They are convinced (or try to convince me) that the commitments they will make will not fall by the wayside.  In almost all cases they do fall away immediately following the rite of confirmation. Most fall away at least for a time, till they have children of their own and desire to have them baptized and confirmed. Some will return, long enough, for their children to be baptized and affirm those baptisms. 
The disciples returned, too. But, they stayed. They did not show up for a rite here and there. They stayed and committed their whole lives to following in Jesus' footsteps. May God help all who have been baptized in Christ Jesus to continue to live with and in Him and if we have turned our backs on Him, help us to return.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Kings 21 - Children Follow In The Way

Hezekiah did what was right in the sight of God.  Hezekian's son, Manasseh did not did not do what was right.   Manasseh's son, Amon did not.

Sometimes, when children stray away from doing what is right in the sight of God, people will point fingers at the parents.  It's their fault.  The parents must have taught them - this or that.  I have even heard:  "it's in their genes!" 

So what happened to Hezekiah's son?  Hezekiah was a faithful man.  He worshipped only the one God.  Manasseh did not follow what his father taught.  But, Manasseh's son did.  Amon did what his father taught.  Who can tell for sure who will follow in "the way" and who will not? 

There are just too many variables to know why.  All we can do is teach our children what we would have them know and pray.  Lot's of prayers!!!  This Sunday four of our young people at Zion will be affirming their Baptisms through the Rite of Confirmation.  They are excited and I am nervous.  I am not nervous about the service.  I am anxious for their futures?  Do they actually know enough, do they know Jesus well enough, so that once they are confirmed they will actually trust him, so that they will follow in "His Way?"

All we can do is pray for them today, tomorrow, always.