Proclamation: The Mission



Yes, indeed, it is all "for the Lord!"

For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
    in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”

And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

“Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”

Heb 2:11-13

 

Today we will gather together at our annual meeting. We will review the past year. Even as we do, may God help us to glean, from that information, insight into how best we can serve our God and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

As we meet this morning let us not just look back; but, forward, considering the mission which God has called us to. We are not a social club. We are a community of saints called by God to proclaim God's name and what He has done and does do for us.

 

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

 

As we plan for the future serving God and our brothers and sisters in Christ, may God help us to remember our mission. According to the mission statement we unanimously approved at an annual meeting a few years ago: Our mission is to proclaim and teach the true word of God; to nurture members in the Faith; to reach out in witness and service, ministering to the community, and to participate in God’s mission throughout the world.

 

May God help us to be fruitful in the mission He has called us to.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

You Shall Not Bear False Witness

The Eighth Commandment.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

What does this mean?--Answer.
We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.

(http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

 

"Sticks and stones can break your bones; but, words can never hurt you." Wrong, words can kill! They can destroy life. They can kill a spirit and; yes, they can even lead to death of the body in a whole variety of ways. Think about the one who is on trial and someone would bear false witness against him or her sending them to prison for life or aid in that person receiving a death sentence. Think about the young woman or man who is trying to overcome obstacles and bullies continue to beat them down with words. Not only can this lead to a loss of an abundant and joyful life; it can lead to serious depression and in some cases suicide. Consider the married person falsely accused of adultery, what will their partner who in their pain and anger, do to the ones he or she feels has betrayed him?

 

Do not deceive yourselves. There are no little white lies when it comes to bearing false witness against your neighbor. Lies will destroy your neighbor. Lies will destroy you.

 

God does not desire that anyone be harmed in any way. May He help us all to speak with integrity and to help our neighbors when they are down.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Thess 1 - What Are You Thankful For?

1 Thessalonians 1 NIV

Give thanks for Christ is our hope
and salvation!

Paul opens his letter to the Thessalonians by telling them how thankful he is to God for them. Paul is thankful that their faith, love, and hope is evidenced by their witness and service to the living and true God.

What are you thankful for this morning? What or whom do you celebrate? Are you excited because the snow is melting? Or maybe you are thankful for that you get to go shopping rather than work today? Or, maybe you just bought a new "toy"? Or just maybe, you are thankful that you get to live and witness to God's glory today in what you say and do? Are you thankful for the opportunity to serve and glorify God?

In spite of much persecution himself, Paul did a lot of thanking God for the faith and faithfulness of others. He prayed for them. He encouraged them.

My sleep was interrupted last night with dreams of suicide bombers and images of the dead and dying. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are being persecuted, hunted down, and murdered around the globe, the latest atrocities being committed by suicide bombers at a Roman Catholic and a Christ Church in Pakistan. There are many hate filled groups around the world that are bent on exterminating those who don't agree with them; those who are not like them; those who do not worship as they do. I think we've seen this before and it seems the world has learned nothing from the experiences. Although, not to the degree as in some countries, it appears that hate groups are rearing their ugly heads here in the United States, as well.

We have a lot to be thankful for. This morning I thank God for the faith and faithfulness of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe who are ready to be witnesses to the love of God in Christ Jesus in the face of much persecution; in the face of even death. What are you thankful for?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 12:1-2 Transformed Not Conformed

Romans 12:1-2 NIV
Do not be conformed to the world. Be transformed in Christ.

Our discipleship small group has been discussing the difference between being conformed and transformed. Many within the church appear to be conforming to certain standards that they feel appropriate for a Christian. This is adds up to nothing more than good works and we all know that works without faith is not worth a hill of beans. Conformation is only an outward action. In order for our lives to be effective witnesses to and for Christ, we must abide in Christ and Christ in us. We must be transformed. We cannot be witnesses to the world; we cannot make disciples for Christ, unless we are disciples first. And, disciples are not those who have conformed to the world's standards of Christianity or anything else. Disciples are those who have been transformed by the loving, living, abiding presence of Jesus the Christ.

Be transformed. Be a disciple. Make a disciple.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 23:1-11 Upset By The Truth

Acts 23:1-11 NIV
The truth has a tendency to upset people who insist on living their own truth, which is no truth at all; but, a justification for our sinful beliefs and lifestyles. They will rebel and this will attack those who speak the truth in attempts to make themselves look good and right.

With much turmoil, Paul testified to the resurrection of the dead in Jerusalem. The uproar that accompanied it was so horrific that the troops got Paul out of there for his own safety. "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and told said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'” (vs 11) And, so he will. Under guard Paul will be taken to Rome to testify to the truth in Jesus Christ again. He will witness to the resurrection and eternal life in Christ even as he makes that journey.

Where is our journey taking us? Along "The Way," will we be witnesses of the love of God in Christ Jesus; regardless, of how many might attack us because their lives are upset by the truth? How many lives will be changed by hearing the Word?

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

Acts 6:8-15 Here is Stephen

Acts 6:8-15 NIV
Here is Stephen; one of the faithful men who had been appointed to ensure that the whole community had food to eat. Here is Stephen; full of grace and power, doing great wonders and signs among the people. Here is Stephen; his enemies bearing false witness against him. Here is Stephen; tirelessly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Here is Stephen; persecuted; yet his judges behold a Stephen with a face like an angel.

In the midst of it all, Stephen maintains his composure. He is at peace because he knows he speaks the truth. He is at peace because he has confidence in the promises of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

May God grant that we should be able to stand, by the power of the Spirit, in the day of trial, composed and ready to speak the truth for the good of all people and for the glory of God. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 1:12-26 A Sad Thing; Deserting Jesus

Acts 1:12-26 NIV
It is a sad thing when one would turn their back on Jesus. But, that is what his friend and follower, Judas, did. There was nothing left to do for the disciples after his death, but to replace him so that there would be the twelve to witness to what they had seen of Jesus' life; from his baptism to his ascension. Two men were nominated; Matthias was elected by casting lots. Casting of lots helped avoid biases and divisions among the people. There were no great debates as to who the better candidate was. There were no expensive campaigns. There were no recounts. They simply trusted that God would guide the results of the lots; whatever those lots might be.

Even today, we encounter those who would turn their backs on Jesus; betraying him; deserting him and his church. Often they find themselves disillusioned because the church is not what they want it to be for them as individuals. When they choose to leave, like Judas, they also find themselves without hope. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ. Without him, we can do nothing. It is a sad thing for all involved when we lose a brother and sister in Christ to worldly desires. Hear the witness, of the many generations, that speaks of Jesus' gift of life and salvation for you. Receive it and live life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 20:30 Journals

John 20:30 NIV
Many people write journals about their lives. They can help us to remember where we've been; who we are, and why we are who we are. I've started a few journals a few times; but, never got too far with them. The bottom line for me is not who I am; but who God is and what He has done for me through Jesus Christ. I can remember that without a journal and I doubt my journals would help anyone else understand who they are, anyway.

But, the recorded testimony of the witnesses regarding the signs that Jesus performed will help others. The "word" will help others to believe. Read it; listen to it and live life in the joyful and peaceful presence of God now and for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 20:24-29 You Don't Have To See It To Believe It

John 20:24-29 NIV
Well, some people really have to see it to believe it. You can warn them; you can advise them; you can give them the Good News, but until they see it with their own eyes, unless they can touch it or taste it or hear it; unless they can experience something with one of their bodily senses, they simply will not believe it.

Sadly, today we do not have the opportunity as Thomas did to see the nail marks in Jesus' hand. We cannot see Jesus as Thomas did on that day so long ago. But, we can see him. We can see him and experience him in our neighbor, in all who abide in him and he in they. We don't need to see Jesus face to face as Thomas did in order to believe. We have the witness of many who saw him risen from the grave. Hear the Good News so that you, too, might believe and be saved.

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 20:1-10 The Empty Tomb

John 20:1-10 NIV
None of Jesus' followers really expected a resurrection. They really had not understood what Jesus was talking about when he said things like, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” (John 16:16) When they found the empty tomb, they began to have a clue.

Some, even the most faithful, have to see; have to experience, something in order to believe. It was that way for the disciples. It is that way for many today as well. You can warn them all you want that something is about to happen; but, they will not understand what you have told them until that something happens and they actually have to experience it and live through it.

It took the disciples awhile to get a clue. It took a face to face connection with the risen Jesus before the disciples understood. What will it take the world today? We do have the witness and testimony of those first followers. It has been written down for generations to read. But, there are those who refuse to believe their eye witness statements. There are those who refuse to read or hear those statements. They refuse to be enlightened because they love the darkness that they have become accustomed to. 

The grave is empty. Why do you linger in the darkness of the tomb? He is risen. He is with you. Believe and live life in the light of Jesus Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 19:28-37 Witnessing To The Truth

John 19:28-37 NIV
 "It is finished." Jesus' last words on earth were a declaration that his life; his work here on earth, was complete. He had fulfilled the prophecies of old.

There were witnesses to his death. The soldier who pierced him with a spear saw that he was already dead. There was a witness who testified that he had seen water and blood flow from the wound made by the spear. This man saw this and testified to them so that we might also believe. It is upon the testimony of this man and many others that we have the truth of what happened to Jesus. The testimony of this man has been passed down for generations so that all might believe.

I know that this testimony will not be stopped. The Spirit of God has empowered generations to speak the truth about Jesus. Even in the face of much persecution, themselves, the truth has been proclaimed to generations and will continue to be shared with those who do not know him.

I pray that you will be a witness of all that Jesus has done for you, for all humankind. Be not afraid; rejoice and share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

John 12:37-50 Our Belief Or Not Doesn't Change the Truth

John 12:37-50 NIV
There have been many times when others have tried to sway me. They have tried in vain to convince me that that Jesus is not my Savior; that God our Father is a myth; and that the Holy Spirit is not present and active in my life and the world around me. Often, it is because they don't care to hear the word that the Father has given us through Jesus. There are many who would much prefer to have it their way rather than God's way. I usually just end up smiling at the futility of it all. God is God. He Is Who He Is. You can try all you want to change Him to meet your standards; but, human beings cannot change the essence of God. It is just not possible. You can spend your days trying; but, in the end it will be God who will have the final say.

Even after Jesus performed many signs, many would still not believe in him. There were also those who believed in him but would not openly acknowledge their faith in him because they did not want to offend others. It is not so different today. There are many who believe, many who do not, and many, many who have been baptized into the faith who will not witness to the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus the Christ because they are afraid of offending others.

Whom would do you have the courage to offend; those without faith or the one who gave His Son to die for you? As for me, I have been an offense to God enough already in my lifetime. "....as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 1:29-42

John 1:29-42 NIV
"Look, the Lamb of God!"

Twice, John see Jesus' and witnesses to those around him that Jesus is the Lamb of God. He testifies that Jesus is God's Chosen One. Because of John's testimony Andrew and his brother Simon Peter became followers Jesus. They became his disciples.

Have you told anyone about the "Lamb of God" lately? How many disciples can say it was your testimony that pointed them to Jesus? Remember the "Great Commission"?

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of  the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (John 21:19-20)

Go and witness to the love of God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Go and witness to what He has done for us in giving His life for us. Go and make disciples for surely the "Lamb of God" the great "I AM" is with you always.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 1:6-28 John's Witness

John 1:6-28 NIV
As I live in a land and a time where egos reign, I often think about the faithfulness of St. John the Baptist. His mission was to be a witness to testify to the light that was coming into the dark world. That light was Jesus Christ. John was a humble man. That's not to say he was timid; rather he was quite bold in his proclamation and did not worry who might not like to hear his words. He did not brag about himself. He did not worry about his daily or his future needs; after all, he was a wandering missionary, whose meals came from the wild and whose only clothes were made of camel hair. His only concern was to announce the coming of the Savior into the world.

May God help us all to remember that our main concern is (or should be) the proclamation of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ our LORD, which was purchased for you by the shedding of his blood.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. A reminder that I hope you are reading the Scriptures that this blog is linked to... That is; after all, the purpose of this blog to help you read through the Scriptures on a daily basis.

Luke 7:18-35 Testimony

Luke 7:18-35 NIV
John the Baptist wants to know if Jesus is the One so he sends two of his disciples to ask him.  Jesus l tells them to report back to John what they have seen and heard. He tells them to share with John what they have witnessed.

What have you seen? What have you heard? Just because you may be a Lutheran does not mean that you cannot give your testimony! Has he healed your body? Has he healed your sin-sick soul? Go tell - share what He has done for and through you.
God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 17:1-13 - Mountain Top Experience

"After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." (Matt 17:1-13 NIV)

How did they know? How did they know that the two talking with Jesus were Moses and Elijah? Scripture does not tell us. Maybe, it was from the content of the conversation. Maybe, their history and their traditions stirred something in them so that they just felt it and knew it within their own spirits. Maybe, the Holy Spirit moving upon them, inspired and told them. Maybe it was a little of all these things combined.

How can we know anything? We can know by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This testimony, of three, is found in our reading today: "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'” (Matt 17:5)

The same words spoken by the Father at Jesus' baptism were spoken at his transfiguration: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. listen to him!"

The three disciples, in fear and trembling, witness the glory of Jesus Christ, our LORD, at his transfiguration. May God prepare our hearts and minds to witness the full glory of God. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. I am going to have to break some of these chapters down into sections for daily readings. There is just too much in them to even attempt covering it all....

Zechariah 4 - Lampstand, Lamps, and Two Witnesses

What are all these symbols from Zechariah's vision?  Some of the visions given by the LORD can be a little difficult (if not impossible) to understand.

What, then shall we make of the solid gold lampstand with seven lamps? As today is Christmas Eve and our old testament reading is from Isaiah, I am proposing that the lampstand symbolizes the light of God that is to give light to the world. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." (Isaiah 9:2 NIV) Israel had lived in very dark times, indeed. They are rebuilding the temple of God that had been destroyed as they were taken into captivity.

And... at the right and left of the lampstand are two witnesses. These witnesses, for that time, are both political and religious. It is possible that Joshua, the High Priest and religious leader, and Zerubbabel, the political leader, were the two witnesses of this vision. Zerubbabel will see the completion of the temple in his day. Yet, it is not by any power or authority or might of these two witnesses or anyone else that the rebuilding of the temple will be accomplished. It will be done solely by the Spirit of God.

In light of the fact, that these two witnesses in Zechariah's vision are probably Joshua and Zerubbabel, it causes me to wonder about the similar vision in St. John's Revelation. "And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.” (Rev 11:3-4)

I have a lot yet to learn and understand. But, on this Eve of Christmas it is enough to know that the light has come into the world and that the rebuilding of God's temple, that is the Church of God, is being accomplish by the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 29 - The LORD Has A Plan

The prophet Jeremiah and the false prophet Shemaiah are sending letters between Jerusalem and Babylon. Shemaiah continues to lie about what the LORD says and seeks to do harm to Jeremiah. Jeremiah advises the people who have been exiled to Babylon to settle down and help the city in which they live to prosper for in doing so they too will prosper and in seventy years their families will return to Jerusalem. Shemaiah on the other hand does not offer such wisdom. He gives the people false hope in telling them they only have two years in Babylon and then they will return. If they listen to him, they will be wasting some very precious gifts, not the least of them being years of their time as they do nothing but rebel. Jeremiah promises that the LORD says because Shemaiah persists in preaching rebellion against the LORD; in witnessing falsely to the will of God, that he and his descendants will suffer.

It is sometimes very difficult to accept the LORD's will. Very often, His will is not what we would desire for ourselves. But know this:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”" (Jer 29:11-14 NIV)

Take that leap of faith and trust that no matter what you are going through today, the LORD has a plan for you and it is a very good plan - the best!

God's Peace - Pr. J