You Have Eternal Life!

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13

There are times when we all might feel unworthy. We become downcast as we wonder what will become of our lives. St. John reminds us of the promise that all who believe in Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, will not perish; but, have eternal life. That eternal life is in the presence of the one true God; the God who loves you so much that he was willing to die for you.

All is not lost! Rejoice, for the Kingdom of God is for all who believe! And, then even as St. John shared the good news, we are to go and share it with others that their hope may be restored, as well.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Great Things For Us

"For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name." Luke 1:49

Mary was beside herself with joy and wonder at the amazing things God was doing in her life. Wonder and joy are probably not the only words that could be used to describe how Mary felt. Anxious, nervous, afraid might be some others. We like to think that we are at least in charge of our own lives; of our own destinations. But, God blessed Mary with a gift that she had never requested. Her life and ours was forever changed by this gift. In her, God's Son was conceived. Through her, God's only begotten Son was born.

God gave this gift of His son not just to Mary; but, to the world. He has done this great thing for all of us. Thanks be to God for this precious child born to save us from ourselves. May God continue to do great things for us; turning us from ourselves to serve the living Lord.

The Savior lives! He is risen! He is risen, indeed! 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Give The Gift Of Love

Pre-Black Friday online shopping has begun. I spent a few minutes this morning skimming through a couple of sites. The reality is: everyone that I give gifts to has everything they need and most everything that they want. Well, maybe not everything they want; but, everything I could possibly afford to give them.

The one gift that some of them have not received is faith in Jesus the Christ. It is not that God hasn't given them this awesome gift. Jesus did; after all, die for all people. It is that some just seem to refuse the greatest gift of all; to be reconciled to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

As you consider what gifts to share with others this holiday season; consider sharing the greatest gift ever given to humankind. Consider sharing the Good News that others might hear and by the power of the Spirit of Christ, receive this gift of love and life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Do not hide this gift like an unwanted fruitcake in the back of a cupboard. Share it. Give the greatest gift of love.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Not With Silver Or Gold

All too often; all too many people, have a tendency to think that just because they have brought their tithes before the altar that they have "paid their dues" and will receive their places in the heavenly home. Know this: your offerings will not buy you a place in the kingdom of God. There is only one offering that saves us. Jesus willingly offered himself up as a ransom for us all.

"You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish." 1 Peter 1:18-19

May God help us all to appreciate more the offering that was given for us in Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Faith Alone!

"Look at the proud!
    Their spirit is not right in them,    but the righteous live by their faith." Habakkuk 2:4.

Wisdom sometimes comes with age (but, not always). It never ceases to amaze me how some of our eldest brothers and sisters in Christ are able to humble themselves and confess their sins. These sins that they confess seem to pale in comparison to some of the sins that others do not confess.

The ability to understand that all sin no matter whether we consider them big or small sins are an abomination before God. It is understood that none of us are without sin; that we are made righteous only be faith in the Son of God who died for us. There is nothing that we can do to save ourselves. There is nothing that we can do or avoid doing in order to stand before God and be proclaimed innocent.

We are saved by faith alone. Sometimes, it just takes years of being humbled in order to be humble enough to know that we are indeed sinners and are saved by faith alone. This is a gift of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Marriage: Partners for Life

Partners for Life

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones
    and flesh of my flesh;
this one shall be called Woman,
    for out of Man this one was taken.”

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:18-24

 

Someone gave my husband the photo above not long ago. It was taken a very long time ago. We had been married for about ten years when it was taken. We will celebrate forty-four years together this winter. So, we've been together for awhile. The photo reminded me of all the up and downs of married life. Living and serving in Rota was one of our periods together when we had way more ups than downs. It was a very good time, indeed. 

 

We have not always worked like partners. Marriage can be very hard work as two individuals attempt to live out their individual and mutual callings together. We have, at times, definitely worked against each other rather than with each other. But, no matter what struggles we have gone through; no matter how many times we may have thought that maybe the partnership should end; we have always gone back to the fact that it was God who joined us together. He gave us each other to help and support one another even to the end of our days on earth. 

 

Our days are getting shorter. We are both too old to spend too much time working against each other. But, it does still happen. Even while we are one in Christ, we still have different gifts; different calls and we find ourselves going in different directions. At times like that, we've found it's best to give each other a little space to grow and serve God in the direction He calls us as individuals. We give a little space even while we continue to help and support one another. 

 

Marriage can be very difficult; but, it is also a very great blessing. God has given you a partner for life in your husband or wife. May God help us to make the most of this great gift of marriage.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Gift of Life

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16 NRSV

It is difficult to comprehend a love as great as the love God has for the people of earth. Yet, it is there. His desire is not that anyone should die; but, that all should live. It is evidenced by the willingness of Jesus to die on the cross, carrying our sins in his body. It is evidenced by the sacrifice that our Lord, Jesus made for us. Paul wrote to the Romans (Rom 3:21-25) "But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction,  since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith."

How great is the love of the one who was willing to die so that all who believe could live in God's presence for all eternity! Thanks be to God for this gift of life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Baptized for Renewal and Regeneration

Thirdly.

How can water do such great things?--Answer.

It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

Baptism is not the same as taking a bath. Water alone may wash the outside of the body; but, it cannot cleanse our souls. Water with the Word received in the Sacrament of Baptism; however, washes us through and through.

 

I am often asked why I would baptize infants. My answer (in short, because this is just a blog) is that first we are commanded to baptize all nations; all people. That does not exclude children. Jesus said we are not to hinder the children from going to him. I have also been told that babies cannot believe so therefore they should not receive this Sacrament. Jesus also said that in order to enter into the kingdom of God we must become like little children. Knowledge or intelligence does not necessarily equate with faith. Just because little children do not have the same knowledge that some adults have we should not equate that with an inability to have faith. Faith, itself, is a gift from God and is not something we work out on our own. Little children have faith and probably more than most adults. They have not been subjected to the doubts of this world.

 

Most importantly, baptism is a gift from God, for the washing and regeneration of all people and for renewing by the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. When we are baptized, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit, for regeneration and renewal. I would not presume to withhold this gift of God; His very presence, from anyone, especially a child. Would you demand that a child go through life without this gift?

 

My parents were not church going people. But, they saw fit to have me baptized at home at about age five. I thank God that they did this for me. I thank God that Pr. Leslie Niemi was willing to officiate at our home. I know that it is preferable that baptism take place within the church. But, I thank God that Pr. Les was not willing to withhold this Sacrament from me for any reason. I remember that day; although, it has been so long ago and details are getting a little foggy. I thank God for that washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit that took place so many years ago. I do not want to even consider where and what I would be today if it had not been for the events of that day. Thank you Pr. Les for being a servant of God.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teach and Baptize

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.

First.

What is Baptism?--Answer.

Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.

Which is that word of God?--Answer.

Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Again, we are reminded that it is the head of the family who is to teach their children what baptism is. At Zion, our Sunday School Staff are well aware that this does not actually happen in most of our homes. We are also well aware of Christ's command to go and baptize all nations; all people. Therefore, we find it prudent to ensure that our children know what baptism is and begin formal instruction; albeit, in a simple way, to our children at the age of three. We are; after all, all members of the family of God and as spiritual parents we desire that all of our children know what an awesome gift they have or will receive and what it means for their lives and ours.

Baptism is a precious gift from God. So when He offers us this gift, should we refuse it and should we refuse to allow anyone else who desires it to receive this gift? It is a gift for all nations; all people.

Do not hinder anyone; but, teach and encourage everyone to receive this awesome gift.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 22:6-21 A Final Warning and Promise

Rev 22:6-21 NIV
Well, today brings us to the end of the book of Revelation and to the end of the Holy Scriptures.
Some of you may wonder why I have been such a light-weight as we went through Revelation; why I have not a more in-depth interpretation as many others have; why I have not done more finger pointing as to who or what the anti-Christ is. The answer to that is found in this last reading: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." (vss 18-19)

I take this warning seriously. As we read or hear the Holy Scriptures, we need to understand that our sinful natures may well inspire an interpretation according to our own wills; our own egos, our own agendas. Revelation, in particular, because it is a vision, should not be taken literally. That does not lessen the fact that it is prophecy and includes, very much, a warning to those who have fallen from "the way." It is a warning to those who would follow in a way that they should not go and a blessing to those who worship the one true God.

The revelation to John is not just a horrific warning to the world. It is indeed a blessing of promise and hope to all who believe. "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." (vs 17)

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (vs 21)

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!

Ephesians 2:1-10 Saved By Grace, Through Faith!

Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (vs 8-9)

By grace we have been saved, through faith. It is as simple as that. Salvation is a gift from God through Jesus the Christ. There are no good works that can save us. However, that does not mean that we do not do good works. "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (vs 10) We who have been born again into the Body of Christ joyfully serve others as Christ served us, even to his death on the cross for our sakes and for our salvation.

By grace we have been saved! Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 6 Dead And Yet Alive In Christ!

Romans 6 NIV                                                                        

Died in Christ and yet we live! Live life!
Photo: Old Sheldon Church, Beaufort, SC

There are those who think that because we believe, we can keep on sinning; because we are confident in the promise that God has forgiven our sins.  Paul addresses this problem in Chapter 6 of Romans. "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!" This attitude that God's grace will cover everything we can do, whatever or whenever we choose, without worrying about it's consequences is (at least in part) what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called cheap grace. What is cheap grace? Cheap grace is no grace!

We, who have been baptized were baptized into his death. As our old self was drowned in the waters of baptism; we were raised to new life in Him.  We have died once to sin; how and why would we continue in that sin. Assuredly, we will all continue to sin. While we are still in the flesh, we will continue to struggle with the desires of this world. We will struggle as simultaneous sinner and saint. But, those who abide in Christ and He in them will not willfully sin. To willfully sin is cheap grace and then to keep repeating the sin just because you think you enjoy it is to spit in the face of Jesus and actually reject the gift of life given to us in his death.

The old self was crucified with him, so that we might live life in the kingdom of God. Live Life in Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Romans 3 Faith Alone

Romans 3
It is difficult to break these beginning chapters of Romans down into bite-sized portions. They must be read in context. The jist of chapter 3 is this: Jews and Gentiles, all people, are found righteous in the eyes of God by one thing; that is by faith alone.

We all fall short. We are all sinners; yet, by faith we are justified by God's grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. We are declared righteous through faith in the righteous one who willingly shed his blood for us. All the good works in the world will not make us righteous. Faith alone does this.

Yet, because we are saved through faith, that law is not nullified. We don't do whatever it is that we want; whenever we want. Rather our faith, empowered by the Spirit of Christ, inspires us to uphold the law.

God, grant us all this gift of faith!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 6:1-11 Day of Rest

Luke 6:1-11 NIV

What to do with the Sabbath? What can one do on the day of rest?

Years ago when my husband was logging, every now and then, he would get this crazy idea that he would have to work on Sundays instead of going to our place of worship. It never failed! The equipment would break down and he'd lose even more time fixing it, as well as a whole lot of money.

When confronted by the Pharisees and the teachers of the law about healing a man and his disciples picking some heads of grain to eat on the Sabbath, he said, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” and "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." In Mark 2:27, he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

I don't believe that my husband was being punished for working on Sunday. But, the reality is that we need to find time to rest in the Lord. Working seven days a week is just not good for anyone. Things happen when we get tired and worn out. We make more mistakes than usual. God gave us a day of rest and the best place to rest is in Him.

The Sabbath is a gift to us. May God help us to be good stewards of our day of rest and use it wisely.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 21 - Looking Out

I am having just a bit of a problem focusing this morning. It is already dawn. Maybe the sunrise has already come; but, it is hard to tell. The skies are once again darkened with clouds. My eyes keep straying out toward the river as I hope for the sun to show its face so that I might get out on the water today. I am on the lookout for sunny skies and calm seas. I'm afraid both may not happen for some time.

I am on the lookout, this morning, for signs that summer will actually come soon, for things that please, while the lookout in today's reading is waiting to hear the news that "Babylon is fallen."

Part of my job description (whether anyone likes it or not) is to be on the lookout - to be observant. I look for both the gifts of God so that we might be good stewards of God's gifts. I also watch for those things which need to be avoided. It absolutely drives some members of my family bonkers that I spend time watching for things that need to be avoided or stopped before they begin. I definitely adhere to the saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." (Benjamin Franklin) In order to know what needs preventing, we need to be on the lookout for those things that might cross our path that will cause much pain and suffering. And... even if it looks good, but will bring danger, I don't have a problem calling it for what it is. That is, warning others.

Not long after the Boston Marathon Bombing my husband (who is a retired Marine) and I had a conversation about being aware of our surroundings at all times. I found it quite interesting that he does not look out for dangers in the crowds around him, while I stay on the lookout for things that may bring unwanted surprises. I have been this way most of my life. I don't know if it's learned, genetic, or simply a gift from God. Sometimes, standing on a watchtower gives us this broader view so that we can be alerted in ample time to prevent tragedy. At other times, it is simply a distraction keeping us from seeing and enjoying the intricate and infinite possibilities that are close up.

Whatever, I apologize for being distracted this morning. Watch... Keep alert!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 127 - Children Raising Parents

"Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him." (Psalm 127:3 NIV)

For a few of generations now, I have witnessed children being  neglected.  Sure, most, but not all, have adequate food, shelter, clothing, etc.. Most of the children are physically provided for. But, not all of them. This morning, the neglect that I'm thinking of isn't due to lack of caring for physical needs. The neglect that I'm thinking of is when love is withheld. This neglect happens when these precious gifts from God are ignored by their parents. Some are even left to raise their parents because their parents put themselves before all others. They put themselves before God. They put themselves before their children. Sometimes, they have a lot of fun with their children. They horse around and play with them because that makes the parents feel good for the moment and then they are off to do their own thing.

There are some who say that their are many children raising children. Sadly, in many cases it has gone beyond that. The children are raising their parents and they are not equipped. I am not saying that the whole world or all parents are being raised by their children. But, way too many are. It really is up to the parent to raise up a child in the way that they should go. It is not up to the child to take care of the parents needs and desires.

"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." (Eph 5:14)

Wake up, as they say, and smell the roses. Your children are a gift from God. Care for them, guide them, teach them, love them as God loves you. Love your children even as they love you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.