Our Father's Children

What does it take to be a child of God?

Usually, I take people at their word. I have a habit of believing people when they tell me that they are members of another denomination or congregation. I have a habit of believing people when they tell me that they are Christians. So often, I neglect to witness to them, because I believe them. The question, I ponder this morning, is if they know what it means to be a member of the family of God.

We do not enter into this family just because our parents or their parents belonged to the Body of Christ or any particular congregation. We are not born in the natural way into the family of God. We are adopted into God's family. In order for us to be adopted into God's family there was a price; a much greater price than we have to pay to adopt a child in today's society. The purchase price for our adoption was not silver or gold. The blood of God's only begotten Son paid the ultimate price for our adoption into His family.

Our DNA; our bloodlines, connects and confirms our earthly families; but, the blood of Christ makes us children of the most High God. We do not enter God's family by any goodness of our own. We do not enter God's family because of any earthly connections we might have. We enter by the virtue of the one who gave himself for us; that we might be reconciled to our Father in heaven for all of eternity. There is only way to become a child of God. There is only one way to the Father. That way is through Jesus the Christ.

There is more to being a Christian than just saying that you are one. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may God grant you faith in the one who died that all might live as children of the most High God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Never Stop Praying

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5:16-18 NRSV

There is so much to be thankful for. The reasons to rejoice never end because "we know that all things work together for good for those who love God." (Rom 8:28) Yet, we know that there among those whom we love who do not love God and so we pray without ceasing. We pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that they may be strengthened in their inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, as they are being rooted and grounded in love. We pray that they may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Eph 3:16-19)

Because we love even those who do not love or know God, we will never stop praying for them. We will joyfully give thanks for we know that God hears our prayers and answers, according to His good will.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Be Prepared!

It was 88 degrees here in Aura earlier this week. This evening, we are expecting snow. One can never tell what the day will bring. Here in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) we learn to be prepared for any kind of weather.

We spend many days preparing for winter. Windows are washed and sealed in plastic wrap; lawn furniture is put away; winter boots and jackets are taken out of storage while summer clothes stored for the winter; shovels are dug out; and, plows readied to be put on the trucks. We spend many days preparing and hoping for summer.  Everything we did in the fall to prepare for the winter is done in reverse. We spend a lot of time in the U.P. preparing so that we are ready for weather changes with each season.

But, how much time do we spend preparing for the changes that come with each day? Each day brings something new. Each day there are new challenges. Are we prepared to meet those challenges and overcome any adversity that might come our way?  Spending intentional time with our Father in heaven and our Lord, Jesus the Christ, each morning will help us to be prepared. Spending time in prayer with God will help us to meet the light of the day with renewed strength.

Be prepared! Pray! Spend time with our glorious Creator and Redeemer; our life and salvation.

And, may the Lord be with you that you may be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and that you may be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col 1:11-14)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Seasons Change

Daniel said:
“Blessed be the name of God from age to age,
    for wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons,
    deposes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding.
                                           Daniel 2:20-21 NRSV

We are beginning to see the fall colors up here in the U.P.. The fall may be beautiful; but, I do not look forward to the cold season of winter. Whether I like it or not, winter will be here soon. It is inevitable. Change is inevitable. I will live through it.

Who; but God, knows what changes we will actually experience with the next presidential election? We will have to wait and see. Change will come. There is no reason to fear. After that change, other changes will come. They are inevitable.

We experience change every day of our lives. If we do not, we will fail to learn and grow. Some of the changes can be quite scary. But, we should not fear. God is with us. He knows exactly what is happening and will happen. He has a plan. Although, we may not always have the wisdom or knowledge to understand why God would allow some of these changes we can be assured that His plans are for the good of all people. 

Do not fear change. God is with you. He is with us. Trust Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Believe In Jesus Christ

The Second Article.

Of Redemption.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

What does this mean?--Answer.

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won [delivered] me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, in order that I may be [wholly] His own, and live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

As, together, we affirm the second article during worship, we affirm not just that we believe that Jesus was a living breathing man who lived on earth some 2000 years ago; but, that with his precious and innocent blood we have been redeemed. We, who were lost and condemned, have been purchased by His blood; that we might live life in His presence, in His kingdom, for all eternity. Not with silver or gold, not with the works of our hands; but, by His death, we have been saved from eternal death. That is what we believe.

 

That is how much our God loves and cares for us. He was willing to come to earth and live as we live. He was willing to suffer and die that we might also live as He lives: eternally in the Kingdom of God.

 

It would behoove us to not just affirm this every Sunday at worship; but, every morning when we rise lest we forget what our Lord has done for us and turn to other gods. To Him be all honor and glory.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 19: Hallelujah!

Rev 19 NIV

In Chapter 18, we heard a three-fold woe. Today we hear a three-fold hallelujah. Woe to those who worship and serve anything or anyone other than the one true God. Hallelujah for God is GOD and salvation and glory and power belong to our God. His judgments are true and just. With justice he destroys the great whore who has corrupted the earth by her adulteries.

What a battle that will be. In fact, we are already in the midst of a battle to keep her from leading God's children astray. Alas, there is nothing we can do. Only God can save His children. Indeed, he will. The rider on the white horse, whose name is faithful and true, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, will destroy the prostitute; will destroy the beast and the false prophet who have led God's people astray.

Hallelujah! Our Lord reigns!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 5: Lamb of God

Rev 5 NIV
"Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."

No one was found worthy to break the seal and open the scroll except for the lion of Judah who is the lamb of God. Jesus was deemed worthy because he was slain and with his blood he purchased for God people from every tribe and language and nation. (vs 9) He alone died for the sins of the world. He is worthy to be praised. And... in this vision of John, he is praised. Every creature in heaven and on earth praises him saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (vs 13)

What an awesome vision this must have been! All people will come before the lamb who was slain for them. For those who have believed in him it will be a most joyous moment. For others it may not be quite so joyful. Jesus died for all people. He desires that all who would believe in him would follow him in his kingdom. He died for you. Receive him into your life. Enter into the kingdom of God as a priest to serve our God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 John 2:12-29 Who is the antichrist?

1 John 2:12-29 NIV
So, exactly who is the antichrist? According to St. John the antichrist is anyone who would deny
that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Son also denies the Father. Whoever denies either is a liar and the antichrist.

Next question: How does one deny that Jesus is the Christ? Response: By trusting in our own good works for our salvation. When we trust the world, ourselves, anything or anyone before Jesus the Christ we are denying him; we are denying his power and authority to save us.

The antichrist is not some mythical being. Generations have looked for this one and pointed their fingers at various political or religious leaders saying, "he is the antichrist; these are the last days." Pointing the finger at one person only distracts us from looking within ourselves to see who it is that actually abides in us. Is it Jesus the Christ or the antichrist?

May the Word of God abide in us and we in him. May God help us to trust Him above all others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Thess 2 - Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2 NIV
I cannot count nor ever remember how many men have been publicized as possibly being the lawless one (the anti-Christ) that was prophesied to come. Most often those who were accused of being the anti-Christ have been in positions of power in the world. They have been world political leaders.

I cannot help but wonder if this anti-Christ is actually going to be a leader in the secular world or will that personality be someone from within the visible church on earth. There are many; after all, who are teaching false doctrine and yet are quite popular personalities; leaders (not servants) in the visible church. They have been popular because they please the itching ears. They are popular because they tell people what they want to hear. They have led many astray as they have lifted themselves up in the eyes of the people they teach.

I am convinced that the most dangerous false teachings do not come from those outside the church who deny Christ. These allegations are a distraction and have kept us from looking within ourselves and acknowledging the lawlessness that abides within us. Those most dangerous lies are those lies propagated within the church that are being passed down and expanded upon to succeeding generations. It is quite possible (probable) that the man of lawlessness will be revealed to be one who spread the lies from within the visible church. The man of lawlessness may well come from within the church, itself.

Do not let anyone deceive you; not from outside the church or from within. Jesus is our only salvation. May God help us to remain faithful to His Word.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philippians 3 Focus on the Goal

Philippians 3 NIV

Focus on the Goal; Stay on the Path

So much time and energy wasted striving after things of this world. Of course, we all need to work for basic necessities. St. Paul had written to the Thessalonians, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3:10) But, often our focus is so centered on "stuff" that we forget that we are to focus on the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. We think that our worship and service can be relegated to one hour per week and the rest of the week is to strive after and, yes, even worship and glorify "stuff" of the world. We lift up powerful people and even sports heroes and musicians and other such celebrities. We envy and strive to be like those who have earned much in this world; after all, they have done so much for themselves and look how happy they aren't! In this world it is a sign of success to have earned much "stuff."


But, "stuff" that you've been striving after will not save you. "Stuff" will only drag you down. It will require your focus and energy to obtain and maintain. "Stuff" will not save you. The world will not save you. You cannot save yourselves by your own power and might. Only Jesus saves. Put, aside those things which have puffed up your ego and set a new course. Strive for the goal; life in Jesus' presence, in his Kingdom. Press on and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of for us. Set aside egos and desires of this world. Set aside your confidence in your own flesh to earn anything worthwhile. Because, I can attest that lots of stuff is not worthwhile. It is a waste of time and energy. Trust Jesus and live life in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ephesians 3 Prayer and Proclamation

Ephesians 3 NIV
St. Paul's ministry was mainly to those who were not God's children, but now through faith became God's children. Paul, a Roman and Jew, had been called and sent by God to brings the good news to the gentiles. Even in his suffering he continued to encourage them; reminding them and us that they and we are heirs of the one true God. They and we are members of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Paul uses many words, both spoken and written, to remind others of God's love for them just as today we should be diligent in proclaiming this good news to those who are both near and far.

But, there is more... Paul not only preaches the good news to those whom he has been called to serve; he prays for them. I have found that sometimes prayer is more effective than all the words I can possibly spit out. Without God, all the words in the world will have no effect on anyone. And... so as pastors and ministers of the Gospel we pray for those we have been called to proclaim the good news to. We pray "that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (vs 16-19)

May God grant this unto us all that His name be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ephesians 1:15-23 Power In The Blood

Ephesians 1:15-23 NIV

My dear friend and brother in Christ,
Pr. John Henry (now retired),
preaching at Zeba Campground Meeting at the
summer worship site in the woods.

Every August for years, I have been privileged to preach at the Zeba Methodist Camp Meeting. The camp meeting is held by a faithful Ojibwa congregation that meets out in the woods at a chapel without walls during the summer months. Inevitably, every year, sometime during the week long camp meeting event, someone asks to sing one of my favorite hymns, "There Is Power In The Blood." There is power in the blood of Jesus!

I often wonder if everyone really understands that power. Do we really get it? The one who was raised from the dead lives! He is our head. He is the head over everything for the church, which is his body. The one who descended to hell, rose from the dead, and ascended to the heavenly realms lives. How much more powerful can one be than that? Trust in his power. Trust in the power of the blood of Jesus.

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the most glorious Father, give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we might know Him better; so that we might understand the awesome power of God. May our eyes be opened and our hearts enlightened so that we might know the hope to which we have been called: the inheritance we have received as children of God and the great power for all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord, as head over everything for the church.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 12 Ecstasy And Thorns

2 Corinthians 12 NIV
Paul experienced an "ecstasy" fourteen years prior to writing this letter. He claims that he was caught up to paradise where he heard things he was not permitted to tell. Well, he doesn't actually claim it was he who had this experience. He speaks in the third person possibly to deflect any admiration toward him that might occur because of this incident. Paul's mission (and ours); after all, is to proclaim Jesus the Christ not to boast about himself. It may well be that he did not speak of this incident previously because he was not permitted to tell what he heard in heaven. So what good would it have accomplished if he spoke of the incident, but could not tell anyone what he heard there? It would have only sounded like boasting about himself and his experience.

Paul does his best to defend his ministry without boasting about himself. Yes, he was gifted with the opportunity of hearing these unspeakable things in the third heaven. Yet, he was given a thorn in the flesh (we know not what that was) to remind him of his own weakness and not to boast about himself. So rather than boast about this moment of ecstasy, Paul boasts about his weaknesses so that Christ's power might rest on him.

God would not take Paul's "thorn" from him. Weaknesses are not a bad thing. It is when we can recognize our weaknesses and our limitations that we know that we must trust God to get us through.
When we realize that we are weak and can do nothing; then we are strong and not by our own strength but by the power of Christ that rests on us.

God's Peace - 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

1 Corinthians1:18-31 Message Of The Cross

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NIV
Ugh! Frustrating! I wish that everyone would receive our Saviour, Jesus the Christ. But, no matter how much I try it seems to be impossible for me to get some people to understand that the message of the cross is the power of God. It is not just a nice story of a man dying because he loved humanity so much. It is not just a piece of historical fact that we read about and set aside. It is not foolishness as the world would have us believe. Rather, it is foolishness not to believe. The message of the cross holds within it the power to save.

In the end, I always have to go back to another simple fact. I cannot save anyone. I cannot even convince anyone. I can only proclaim the message and trust that the power of God within the message (the Word) saves. Usually, when people tell me that my sermon was great or they thank me for saying something that helped them; I remind them that it is not me; but, Christ in me (Gal 2:20). Sometimes, I will tell them that from my lips to your ears the Holy Spirit is working so that you hear (and receive) what God wants you to hear and have; not what I want.

The world can scoff at the faith of those who trust in the cross of Christ for their life and salvation. But, that, dear friends, is the power of God! Whom will you trust: the world, yourself, or God who created all things and has recreated us in Jesus Christ, our Lord?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 28:1-10 Paul on Malta

Acts 28:1-10 NIV
Snakes have never bothered me, too much. When my sons were young, they were always bringing home different sorts of creatures to care for. They were usually allowed to keep and care for them when my husband was deployed. He wasn't too big on creatures in the house. I felt it was good for them to learn about God's other creatures. My eldest son brought home a slew of baby water moccasins when he was in Jr. High. We kept them for a while in a covered bowl on the kitchen table; at least, until the day I came home from work and they had all escaped. I rounded them up and released them into the National Forest behind our home. No more snakes. I also drew the line at the bats he tried to bring into the house... But, most other creatures, slimy, scaly, feathered, or furry were welcome.

The people on Malta figured that Paul was as good as dead when a snake latched onto his hand. But, no. Paul merely shook it off into the fire and he was unharmed. Opinions change. The people then wonder if he is a god. How much more they must have thought that when he prayed and laid hands on Publius' father and the man was healed. No, Paul was not a god. But, God was with him on Malta as He led him to Rome to stand trial. The power of God continued to minister to others through Paul to the day of his death.

Paul was not afraid. He was calm as he shook the snake off his hand. He did God's will without hesitation as he prayed for and healed the sick man. May God help us to serve Him and His people, one day at a time, one step at a time, wherever he will lead us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 5:11-16 Believers Do Not Fear To Follow

Acts 5:11-16 NIV
There are some things that we should stay away from. There are those things that we might and probably should fear. After the death of Ananias and Sapphira at the hands of God, many who otherwise might have associated with the believers in Jesus, stayed away. I'm thinking that they understood that pretending to serve God in Christ Jesus was probably not a real good idea. Attempting to lie to God is not wise. They feared being confronted as Ananias and Sapphira were confronted. (Acts 5:1-11)

This was a very good time. The Gospel was shared. Multitudes of people were healed. The power of the Holy Spirit was active through the apostles. Peter did not even have to lay hands or pray for some of them to be healed; all that it took was for his shadow to fall on them. Talk about faith! So; although, there were many who did not believe that stayed away; others came who did believe. The church on earth was full of faithful followers and it grew.

The church on earth is indeed persecuted in many ways; yet, at the same time we have something precious that those who are merely pretending to be followers and stay away do not. We do not have to fear death, for by faith in the Son who gave himself for us; we have been made whole and reconciled to God our Father in His Kingdom for all eternity. Death has no power over us.  

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Acts 1:1-11 Power To Be Witnesses

Acts:1-11 NIV
The Acts of the Apostles begins with a summary of the Gospel of Luke. Before Jesus ascends into heaven, he promises the disciples that they will receive power by the Holy Spirit. They are to await in Jerusalem until this power comes upon them and then they are to go to the very ends of the earth as Jesus' witnesses.

We, too, have received power by the Holy Spirit. We who have been called to be witnesses have received the power of God. When a person is bestowed authority or power in the secular world they normally use it, don't they? Sometimes it is used for the good of all; sometimes for their own personal good; sometimes for the detriment of everyone concerns. Power can certainly corrupt. But, it is not so with the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit is to be used to be Jesus' witnesses. It is to be used to proclaim the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus. It is to share the love of God. It is to glorify God. Yes, I know that sometimes it may seem like this power has been used to hurt others. But, it is not the power of the Holy Spirit that does that. When God's children; his servants, are given worldly authority and power (for example in the visible church); sometimes they might put their will over the will of God and people get hurt. It is not God's will that does this. It is not the power of the Holy Spirit that enables this. It is our sinful natures that take over.

We have received the power of the Holy Spirit so that the Kingdom might continue to grow and be edified; not for our own personal power or glory. We have received the Holy Spirit so that we might have the faith and the courage to be witnesses in all the earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:1-9 The Kingdom is the Proclamation!

Luke 9:1-9 NIV
You know it! I just love it - another chance to remind you of what Jesus sent his followers out to proclaim!

"When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (vs 1-2)

You know it! He calls and he sends us out to do lots of good stuff. But, the proclamation of the Good News is this: The Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God for you. Don't be deceived. There is no other good news than Jesus died so that, by faith, you might receive your inheritance, which is the Kingdom of God - life in His eternal presence. Living in His presence, of course means, that you will desire to do His will. You will desire and be empowered to minister to others according to their needs and God's will.

Thanks be to God!
God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 16 The Tomb is Empty! He Is Risen!

Mark 16 NIV
The women go to the tomb to find it empty. They are told by a young man, who is sitting in the tomb, not to be alarmed for Jesus is risen and the disciples will see him in Galilee. They were still quite alarmed. Trembling and bewildered they fled from the tomb. Who would not? Think about the week these women, who loved Jesus, just lived through. Would we not also be confused and afraid?

Often the stories we hear about Jesus life kind of just seem like such nice stories; but, can you imagine living it? Can you imagine watching your loved one being tortured and crucified? Can you imagine going to prepare his body for burial and his body is gone? I can just imagine our stress levels. Yet, in the end, as the days pass by, they will be comforted, as we are comforted with the knowledge that He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Death and the grave have no power over him. It is way more than just a nice story to tell our children.

God's Peace - Pr. J