Acts 1:15-26
I got here today by turning right out of my driveway on HWY C, turning right onto HWY M, then driving into New Lisbon. I then turned left onto HWY 12/16, grabbed a cup of coffee and a donut, the breakfast of champion preachers, and went down HWY A to Allen road. When I saw the beautiful brick building I turned into the driveway, finished my donut and walked inside. But it goes a little deeper than that. How did it come to be that I wear a robe on Sunday, that I have the right to announce to you the forgiveness of your sins? How did I get here? You did. Five years ago, yesterday, Pastor Tom Fricke installed me as your pastor. You are the reason I am standing here right now. You called me. But it wasn’t just you. In fact, your Savior Jesus called me through you. Paul recognized the same thing when he wrote that “it was he (God) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). And the Lord of the church still works through his church to call church workers today. Sometime this week the District Presidents will meet with certain faculty members of our seminary in a room above the archway at the seminary. We call it the Holy Ghost Room. These District Presidents come with their needs in their districts, each candidate is talked about, and placed where the men believe he would best fit. They don’t look for signs in the heavens, they don’t wait for divine revelation, they don’t throw darts at a board. They try to match ministry needs with gifts and abilities. This Thursday our Seminary graduates find out where Jesus will put them. It’s quite a day. As the District Presidents and others sit in the Holy Ghost room they don’t look for signs, they don’t wait for divine revelation, they don’t spin a wheel and they don’t throw darts at board. They identify the need. They determine the qualifications needed in the call. And they appeal to the Lord. God’s Word doesn’t dictate exactly how congregations and our Synod should call their spiritual leaders, but our text gives us an example an example of how it was done in the early church. Just a few days after Jesus had ascended into heaven, his followers came together to fill an important ministry position. And this gathering of disciples can rightly be called. A MODEL CALL MEETING. I. They identified the need. II. They determined the qualifications. III. They appealed to the Lord. But before we sit in on the call meeting, let’s talk about what a “call” is. In a sense every Christian has been called. The apostle Peter, speaking to Christians in general, put it this way: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (I Peter 2:9). You and I have been called out of the darkness of unbelief. Our hearts have been illumined with the light of faith. Every Christian man, woman and child, all of us have been called to be lights in the world (Matthew 5:14), to be God’s witnesses in the world (Acts 1:8), to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). That is the broad sense of the word. There is a narrow sense for the word call. There are times when God calls individuals to serve on behalf of his people. The term that is most often used to describe this specialized work is the “public ministry.” Ever hear people talk about feeling like they were called? Some people feel a call to play music in different churches. Other people feel called to go lead a choir, or a Bible Study at New Lisbon Correctional. Often I have walked in with potential Bible Study leaders and I ask how they came to New Lisbon and they all say about the same thing: “I felt a pull to come here.” Or, “I feel a call to be here.” This would be an immediate call, placing themselves on the same level as Elijah, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah. These men didn’t just feel called. No the Lord immediately called them into their positions. The Lord doesn’t use immediate calls like this today, like he did back then. I have a mediate call, a call from God through you. See the Lord empowers groups of Christians to call individual Christians to serve as their spiritual leaders, to represent them in the congregation, to preach sermons and teach their children and reach the lost. So we could say that the Lord gives some Christians two calls: 1) the broad call to faith and service; and 2) the narrow call to serve in a representative role in the church. It was the desire to extend a very specific call that led the disciples to meet in Jerusalem. Peter stood up to remind the rest of Jesus’ followers why this meeting was necessary: “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus—he was one of our number and shared in this ministry” (16,17). And then in rather graphic detail Peter explained why their brother Judas would not be coming back: “(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and his intestines spilled out)” (18). And then Peter, quoting the psalms, proposed that they choose someone to fill the position that had been vacated by Judas. When the disciples decided to add a twelfth apostle they understood that this position would require a uniquely qualified individual. And so instead of just appointing the first person who volunteered they came up with a list of qualifications. Peter said: “It is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning with John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection” (21,22). Before the books of the Bible had been assembled, before the four gospels had been written, the gospel was shared by word of mouth. That’s why the disciples needed a reliable witness, a man who had seen the resurrected Lord, a person who could give eyewitness testimony that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. They wanted someone who had been with them from the beginning, someone who had walked and talked with Jesus, someone who would not pick up and run at the first sign of trouble. The disciples identified a need and they took steps to fill it. God has given us the command to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15). He tells us what to do, but he doesn’t tell us how to do it. He gives us the responsibility to be his witnesses, but he also gives us the freedom to decide what form our witness will take. Congregations look at the unique opportunities God places before them. That is why congregations may decide to call senior pastors or outreach pastors or Chinese outreach pastors or teachers or staff ministers to seize those opportunities. This call to apostleship was special, but then again every call into the public ministry is unique. And every call comes with its own unique list of qualifications. Not everyone has the confidence to stand in front a large group of people. Not everyone is apt to teach. Not everyone has the patience to be in a room with sixteen three-year-olds. And so when the church extends calls the Lord expects us to use our God given wisdom to match ministry needs with ministerial gifts. The year my class graduated, we went all over the world. One went to Russia, one to Bulgaria, one to Texas, two to Nebraska. Some stayed in Wisconsin, others went to Michigan. One went to Brazil. Guess where the Spanish speaking guys went: To Spanish speaking countries. Guess where the language geniuses went: To Russia, Bulgaria. Call it common sense, but also call it utilizing the gifts God gives to carry out his work. The disciples carefully worked through the qualifications before they called a twelfth apostle, but they also recognized that they were not acting independently. And 21st century Christians would do well to pay attention to this 1st century example. If we start thinking that we are in control, when we start believing that our “success” depends on the implementing the right program or picking the right people, then we need to revisit the apostolic model. The disciples identified a need. They determined the qualifications. But finally and most importantly, they appealed to the Lord. This appeal came in the form of a prayer: “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two (Joseph or Matthias) you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry” (24,25). The disciples knew that God had already handpicked a replacement for Judas. The purpose of the meeting was to let everyone else know which man he had chosen. It is likely that the disciples used the Old Testament method of casting lots. They probably put the names of Joseph and Matthias into a bag and shook it vigorously until one of them popped out. And when the name “Matthias” was read, he became the twelfth apostle. Normally, we associate the casting of lots with games of chance. If you pick the right numbers, you are lucky. If you draw the short straw, you are unlucky. But with God there is no such thing as luck. Proverbs 16:33 says: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Every choice, every apparent coincidence, every event, everything that happens in this world is a perfectly fitted piece in God’s master plan of salvation. He devised that plan before the creation of the world. He executed that plan when he sent his one and only Son into the world. He announces the success of that plan as he calls and sends workers to share the gospel in every corner of the world. That work started in Jerusalem. It began with people like Peter and James and John…and Matthias. They announced: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). They declared: “God raised him (Jesus) from the dead. We are witnesses of this” (Acts 3:15). And two thousand years later the Lord of the church calls called workers through the church to proclaim that life giving message. It is rare to devote an entire sermon to the doctrine of the call. It’s the first time I’ve done it in almost 15 years. But it is worth it. May this model call meeting in Acts has given you a better understanding of and a deeper appreciation for this important teaching. And I pray that as you leave today you will give thanks. Give thanks for the twelve disciples of Jesus. Give thanks because you are called to be his disciple. Give thanks to God for the men and women God has called to preach, teach, and equip you for works of service. Amen.
0 Comments
III John
Crown of Life Lutheran Adult Bible Study May 6, 2012 Introduction: A very senior Apostle, in the twilight of his life and ministry, is writing to a church carrying out its assigned mission in the face of the expected opposition from the natural enemies of the church. What ongoing perspectives can we gain for ministry and our mission today in Fort Myers? I. Truth-born love 3 John 1-4 1The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. A. Notes 1. The Elder: The significance of John’s position in life and ministry. 2. Gaius: John’s Christlike love for him mentioned often. 3. John’s desire for him: health, prosperity, spiritual health. 4. John’s joy: reported faithfulness, spiritual children walking in the truth. B. Today: 1. What is the connection between truth and love? 2. Practically, how can we show this love, find this same joy in serving our Lord and the fellowship of believers? II. Self-less Love 3 John 5-8 5Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth. A. Notes: 1. The self-less efforts he expended for unknown brothers. 2. Those efforts did not go unnoticed. 3. You would do well to continue what you have done before. 4. That’s God’s name may be glorified. 5. They seek no support from those they are trying to reach. 6. What want to want to continue to be co-workers in connection with the truth. B. Today: 1. How does the Lord want us to view our fellow believers? 2. How are we to view our missionaries? 3. What can we do to show our support for fellow believers/missionaries? III. Selfish(?)-Love 9I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. 10So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. A. Notes: 1. Unpreserved letter of John? 2. Diotrephes’ unloving attitude: pride leading to evil words against John. 3. His further evil action: removing those from the church who sought to help the missionaries John had sent. B. Today 1. Is there a danger for us today? 2. How can we cut down on the evil spoken of others while at the same time cultivate more open exchanged between us? IV. God-Imitating Love 11Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. 13I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name. A. Notes: 1. The vivid contrast between good and evil. 2. Demetrius is spoken well of by all. 3. Pen and ink vs. face to face, literally, “mouth to mouth.” 4. Greeting the brothers by name. B. Today: 1. To be a brother to someone, what needs imitating today? When the Angels Were Created Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Psalm 148:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. Job 38:4-7 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 7while the morning stars sang together and all the angelsa shouted for joy? Their Numbers Luke 20:35,36 those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. Daniel 7:10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. Matthew 26:53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, Spiritual Beings Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Jeremiah 23:24 Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD. …Who Assume a Human Form Genesis 19:1-5 The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 2“My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” 3But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. 4Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. Genesis 18 (Three “strangers appear to Abraham) Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. …Or Appear in “Full Dress” Luke 2:9-14 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christa the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Matthew 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 1 Kings 6:24 One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing five cubits--ten cubits from wing tip to wing tip. Exodus 25:20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Isaiah 6:2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. Ezekiel 1:6 but each of them had four faces and four wings. Ability Daniel 9:22 He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. Ephesians 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 1 Peter 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 1 Corinthians 11:10 For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head. Inferior Ability to that of God Matthew 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Psalm 8:4,5 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5You made him a little lower than the heavenly beingsc and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 103:20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 2 Thessalonians 1;7 This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. Psalm 8:4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Ranks Cherubim Genesis 3:24; After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. Ezekiel 1:5-14: and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was that of a man, 6but each of them had four faces and four wings. 7Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. 8Under their wings on their four sides they had the hands of a man. All four of them had faces and wings, 9and their wings touched one another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved. 10Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle. 11Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out upward; each had two wings, one touching the wing of another creature on either side, and two wings covering its body. 12Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went. 13The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. 14The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning. Ezekiel 10:20; These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I realized that they were cherubim. Revelation 4: (The Four Living Creatures) 1 Samuel 4:4; So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. Exodus 25:22; There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. 2 Samuel 6:2; He and all his men set out from Baalah of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on the ark. Psalm 80:1; Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth Isaiah 37:16 O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Seraphim Isaiah 6:2; Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. Archangel Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 1 Thessalonians 4:6 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Jude 9 even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Various ranks: Colossians 1:16; For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Ephesians 3:10; His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:12 our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Confirmed in Holiness 1 Timothy 5:21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. Hebrews 2;16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. Luke 20:36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection. Matthew 18:10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Isaiah 6:2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. Ministry of the Angels - Worship Job 38:7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angelsa shouted for joy? Isaiah 6:3,4 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. Revelation 7:12 …saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!" Service 2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Luke 16:22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. Messengers Zechariah 1:8-10 During the night I had a vision—and there before me was a man riding a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses. 9I asked, “What are these, my lord?” The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will show you what they are.” 10Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the Lord has sent to go throughout the earth.” Matthew 2:13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Matthew 2:19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” Matthew 28;6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Do they still speak? Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Mark 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Protect From Physical Harm Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 91:11,12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Genesis 28:12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 2 Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. 16“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." Acts 12:7-9 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. 8Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. Matthew 18;10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Concern for Spiritual Matters Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 1 Corinthians 11:10 For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head. Acts 8;26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." Acts 10;3,5 He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”…Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. Zechariah 1:12 Then the angel of the LORD said, "LORD Almighty, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah, which you have been angry with these seventy years?" Carry Out God’s Will Psalm 103:20,21 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Matthew 13:49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous Matthew 24:31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matthew 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. Spiritual Pallbearers Luke 16:22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 1 Kings 2:11 (Elijah ushered to heaven) A Day to Remember Angels—St. Michael and All Angels Day—September 29 Angels in Perspective Psalm 91:1,2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.a 2I will sayb of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Revelation 14:6,7 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelation 19:10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 22:8,9 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” Revelation 19:6,7 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. An Angel of the Lord Matthew 1:20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 2:13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:19-20 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” Luke 2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Matthew 28:2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." Acts 12:7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12:23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. The Angel of the Lord Genesis 16:7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. Genesis 16:10 The angel added, “I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count.” Genesis 16:13 She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seenc the One who sees me.” Genesis 21:17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Genesis 22:11,12, But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Genesis 31:11-13 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’ 12And he said, ‘Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. 13I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.’” Exodus 3:2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. Exodus 14:19 Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, Exodus 23: 20,21 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. Joshua 5 (Joshua), Judges 6 (Gideon), Judges 13 (Samson’s parents) Revelation 20:1,2 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. The Angel of the Lord as the Pre-Incarnate Christ Exodus 23:20,21 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. Genesis 22:12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Since the Father does the sending, it has to be either the Holy Spirit or the Son Psalm 33:9; For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. John 14:24; He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. John 20:21; Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. An Angel of the Lord or The Angel of the Lord 2 Kings 19:35 That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning--there were all the dead bodies! 2 Chronicles 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons cut him down with the sword. Angels and Demons The Fall of the Evil Angels Time of the Fall Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day. Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Nature of their Crime 2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 1 Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. Ezekiel 28 Isaiah 14:12-15 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! 13You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.c 14I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” 15But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. Revelation 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." Genesis 3:5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Their Number Mark 5:9 Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." Revelation 12:3,4 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. 4His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. 5She Matthew 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 2 Thessalonia2:9,10 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. Exodus 7:10-12 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Ephesians 2:1-2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All Ephesians 6:11,12 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Genesis 3:1-7 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’? 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 2 Corinthians 2:11 order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 11:14 no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Ranks Matthew 9:9:34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons." Matthew 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Luke 11:24-26 “When an evilh spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.” Names for Satan
Easter is the central and highest feast of the entire church year. The festival follows forty days of solemnity and repentance as we are reminded of our sin and reason for our Savior. The Church of God is ready to rejoice in the empty tomb of Easter. The Easter victory cry “Christ is risen” calls for the greatest expression of adoration and joy, not only in preaching, but also in music, even flowers. Having a large number of flowers can create the effect of the Church shouting “Alleluia!”
Of all the flowers, why the use of the Easter lily? Probably, the best reason I can think of is that white is the color of purity and joy. Some traditions are interesting, but not worth spending too much time on. White lilies supposedly sprung up where Christ’s sweat fell to the ground while praying in Gethsemane. In some paintings, the angel Gabriel extends to Mary a branch of pure white lilies, in others, the saints are pictured as bringing vases full of lilies to Mary and baby Jesus. Joseph is seen holding a lily branch in his hand because he knew Mary was indeed a virgin. Like other flowers, the lily’s roots are buried in the dirt and darkness. The lily rises above the darkness and dirt to bloom beautifully and proudly. Nothing is pretty about Good Friday. Illegal trials. Injusticie. The Son of God suspended between heaven and earth, rejected by mankind, whom he came to save and forsaken by his Father, who punishes his Son in our place. But three days later all is right and well between God and man as Jesus rises from the dead. Victory over sin, death, Satan and hell have been won! It was an ugly battle. The roots of our salvation are buried deep beneath the humiliation of pain and judgment, but Jesus rises above it all and in his life we live Another reason the lily is chosen, according to one of my books on Christian symbolism, might be simply that it blooms at this time of year. Jesus lives! The victory’s won! Pastor Martin Luchterhand The word “January” is taken from the Latin “janua,” meaning door or portal, from which one may look both ways. The Roman god of beginnings, “Janus,” faced both directions. This month that rings in a New Year really isn’t just about the future. It’s also about the past, which plays a big part in things to come.
We begin a new church year in the Lord, looking into the future while knowing our past, and it begs the questions, “Can we expect Crown of Life to bloom in 2012?” “How well did we till the soil and plant the seed of God’s Word in 2011?” “Have we prepared ourselves for what lies ahead in 2012?” An honest evaluation might be scary. It might even hinder growth in our church. Be warned, Satan uses this to hinder our growth. He tries to fill us with a hesitation that keeps us from taking chances with the Word, changing sinful habits, sharing our faith. All the while we think we’re being faithful to God, others and ourselves but we’re really being faithless. Words like “I could never” or “He’ll never” and “There’s no way” and “Not me” rule our decision-making, and God watches with disappointment, actually disgust and anger, as his children act like cowards, missing all the blessings he had in store for them. Peter learned that lesson well when Jesus told him to get out of the boat and walk on water. Peter had no doubt gained experience with the water and knew its buoyancy limitations. But the next few steps of Peter’s life were not to depend on Peter or water, but on Jesus. Take another look into the past and see where you’ve been blessed in ways you simply hadn’t anticipated or arranged. Go further into the past and see how God opens up opportunities for his people even when they have personally paved their way into a dead end. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End,” Jesus promises us (Revelation 22:13). The months and days of 2012 have much to do with the past, specifically God’s six day creation, the days of our birth, and the week of Christ’s Passion. Jesus Christ has been there in the past, choosing, rescuing us and giving us life. Jesus Christ paves the way. Blessings and challenges abound. Blessings amid challenges abound. Our next steps in 2012 don’t depend as much on us as they do on Jesus. He’s already been anywhere we are. He is always with us in whatever condition we might be. He will always be ahead of us leading the way safely home. So, people of God, look both ways and boldly step into the New Year. Jesus has us covered. In His Service, Pastor Martin Luchterhand A Big Reason to Give Thanks
During this Thanksgiving time of the year, may we remember to give our Lord thanks for the abundant blessings of our Lutheran heritage. Read the thoughts below from someone who has journeyed from Evangelicalism to confessional Lutheranism. What follows is the blog of a self-described “disgruntled Evangelical” named Doug Cohenour, who had left Evangelicalism in search of a new church home. His and his family’s search from church to church finally ended at a confessional Lutheran church. Mr. Cohenour publishes a Christ-centered response to those who have become “disgruntled” with Lutheranism. Here’s an excerpt… (From The Shepherd’s Study, website maintained by Jeremiah Gumm, a WELS pastor. http://shepherdstudy.wordpress.com.) Search for Christ “You have probably heard it before, but it bears repeating; there are no perfect churches. As long as there are people involved, there will always be something that we can find to be unhappy about. Lutheranism, for all of its faults, is one of the last refuges of truth in our day and age. The church at large is disintegrating. It is on the decline. If you care about the church, about doctrine, about fidelity to God’s Word, about faith in Christ alone for salvation, and about all of the things that mark the true church, you are in the minority. I have seen enough evidence of this trend over the last 20 years to convince me that we live in a time of decline for the church. Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. I believe this. But He also wondered if He would find faith on the earth when He returned again. I wonder this myself. Before you reject Lutheranism, maybe it deserves a fresh look. Perhaps you are disgruntled because you do not really know what your church teaches. It may be that if you gain a fresh perspective on the doctrines of the Reformation, the Lutheran Confessions, The Word of God, and the finished work of Jesus Christ on your behalf, that the Lutheran church will not seem like such a bad place to be after all. It’s really all about Jesus Christ and what He has done. It’s not about you, or professional clergy and their vision, or synods and their decisions, or the politics of your local church. Your personal worship preferences are not relevant, and neither are your felt needs. Being turned inward on yourself leads to being disgruntled. Search for Christ instead. Look for the place where you get the most of Christ, Jesus, in all of His fullness, crucified for you. You will find this in the churches of the Reformation. You will find this in confessional Lutheranism. For where Jesus is, there is life and salvation.” Pastor Martin Luchterhand This will be my final newsletter article. Next month you will be greeted by your new pastor, Pastor Martin Luchterhand. The good thing is that there will be no interruption of ministry here at Crown of Life. The same truth of the gospel will be preached and taught in the future as it has in the past. Souls will still be fed and nourished with the same forgiveness that Jesus purchased and won for every sinner by His death and resurrection.
Do we always cherish what that means? Do we consider as often as we should how blessed we really are to be the children of God through faith in Christ Jesus, our Savior? That is a blessing we never want to take for granted. Can you imagine what it would be like to be without Jesus, without faith, without any hope of a better life to come? That is also why it is so important that we faithfully continue to use the Word and sacraments that the Lord provides for us through His called servants. It is through these means the Holy Spirit continues to do His work in us of preserving and strengthening our faith so that we will always be ready for the time He comes and calls us out of this life. The last words of the Bible are these: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21). It is Jesus Himself speaking these words through the pen of the apostle John. The word “Yes” is actually the word “Amen”. It is a word that means “truth”. Another way of putting it would be “It is true” or “You can count on it”. Yes, truly Jesus is coming soon. That “soon” can be anytime for any one of us or any time for the entire world. It’s a tremendous promise for the believer and a warning for the unbeliever. That is why the church of believers responds to the Savior’s announcement with the words “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus”. Truly, we want You to come, Jesus – the sooner, the better. That is when we will finally be delivered from all evil and live forever in glory. And then John concludes the Bible with the blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” That is also my departing prayer and blessing for everyone who reads these words. May the grace (or undeserved love) of our Savior continue to be with you always. As He gave His life to save you, may you continue to trust in Him alone for your salvation. May you continue to faithfully serve Him with your life. Then we all will be reunited again permanently in that glorious home that our Savior has prepared for us. “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). I also want to add my sincere thanks to: All who have been faithful these past four years in their attendance at church, the Lord’s Supper, and Bible classes. That is the greatest joy for any pastor’s ministry;
Pastor William Balza We may not think it, but our synod convention has a lot to do with Crown of Life and our mission as a congregation. Every odd year the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) holds a convention at one of our worker-training schools. There are about 400 or so delegates who attend the convention, representing each of our twelve districts. Representation includes pastors, teachers and lay delegates, all of whom are elected on a rotating basis. One of the delegates at the convention this year will be our member, Brian Kopp, who will be serving as the lay delegate from our circuit.
This year our synod’s biennial convention will be held July 25-29 at Luther Prep School in Watertown, Wisconsin. The purpose of the convention is to review the work that has been done during the past two years, take a good look at the resources that are available for the work that needs to be done in the coming two years, and then approve a budget that will respond to the opportunities the Lord has placed before the convention. Your pastor was privileged to serve as one of the pastor delegates at the synod convention in 2009 at Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, Michigan. That was actually the third convention I have been privileged to attend as a delegate. The other two were in 1979 and 1993, both of which included the election of two of our last three synod presidents (Pastor Carl Mischke and Pastor Karl Gurgel). Most pastors are fortunate if they are elected to serve at two synod conventions (about once every 20 years or so). While our synod has held conventions since its inception in 1850, the first “synod convention” was actually held many years before in the year 50 or 51 A.D. The convention was held at the “mother church” in Jerusalem. You can read all about the convention in Acts 15. Delegates were mostly from two congregations at Antioch and Jerusalem. They include the apostle Peter and the apostle Paul among others. The main issue which came before the convention was deciding whether Gentile believers needed to be circumcised or not in order to be saved. After much discussion and debate the decision that was reached was that they did not need to be circumcised but that they should “abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood” (v. 20) so as not to offend the Jewish believers among them with some of their former heathen practices. That decision was important. It upheld the Scripture teaching that we are saved alone by the grace of God through faith in Jesus as our Savior. Works of the flesh (like circumcision) do not save and do not even help along in saving us. Delegates to that convention set the tone for every synod convention in the future for our own synod. All the decisions which are made at our synod conventions are to be in keeping with the true Word and teaching of the Bible. But, like in the case of that first convention, when we stay true to the Scriptures, then we also have a message that will be worth sharing with the world. And that, too, is the purpose of every synod convention – to seek ways that we can reach out with the gospel message of Jesus to all people. The main work of our synod is 1) support the expansion of mission work in our country (home missions) and throughout the world (world missions), 2) support and maintain a strong system of training future pastors and teachers to go out with the message of the gospel, and 3) assist congregations in carrying out their mission by providing the necessary resources. Our congregation is blessed to be a part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. May we all pray for our synod convention this month and the delegates who will represent us so that decisions may be made to the glory of our God and to the spread of the good news about Jesus and the salvation He has won for all people by His atoning sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection. Pastor William Balza By the time I had reached the age of 37, I had moved a dozen times in my life. A part of that was because my dad was a traveling salesman and he would often be transferred from one place to another. That is one reason I had not lived in any one home up more than seven years. I pretty much took moving in stride as it happened so often. Then my family moved into a large two-story, four bedroom home where we lived for the next 28 years. As you can imagine, we were pretty much settled in by the time I accepted the call to Crown of Life and moved again. It was not only a bit of a culture shock to move from the Midwest to Florida in July, but just the chore of moving after all those years in one place was overwhelming. Needless to say, we had to do some major downsizing.
Now again we are on the move to a new rental home here in Fort Myers and more downsizing (that’s good!). But I am not just telling you a little about my life history. My life is somewhat unusual in the sense that I have never lived in a home that I have personally owned. It’s either been homes my parents owned, the schools I attended, or homes provided by the congregations I have served. Even now, we will only be renting. But that reminds me of some people in the Bible. In Hebrews, chapter 11, we hear of a number of people who lived “by faith”. Many of them lived in tents most of their lives and had no permanent place of residence. They traveled from place to place wherever the Lord would lead them. This is what the inspired writer says about them: “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Whether we own our own homes or not, every believer in Jesus is an “alien and stranger” on this earth. We have no permanent home. And that’s because we too are “longing for a better country – a heavenly one”. That is the home that Jesus went to prepare for us when He offered Himself as the sacrificial payment for our sins and then rose again in victory to reserve a room for us in His Father’s house in heaven. Our future is secure because Jesus has made it secure for us. When we move on for the last time, it will be to take up permanent (eternal) residence in our real home. But until that time we continue to move on from day to day, home to home, with our eyes fixed on Jesus as our Savior and with lives that seek to live each day for Him in grateful love. As my wife and I move on, we do so with the words of our wedding verse in mind: “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). I’m but a stranger here; Heav’n is my home. Earth is a desert dreat; Heav’n is my home. Danger and sorrow stand Round me on ev’ry hand. Heav’n is my fatherland; Heav’n is my home. (Hymn 417, v. 1) Pastor William Balza On this Mother’s Day, we thank the Lord for the gift of life though our mothers. When we see and hear of mothers who abort their children, we are saddened by this lack of respect for God’s precious gift of life. At the same time, we thank the Lord that He has given us life as our time of grace to seek and find Him as our Savior and Lord (Isaiah 55:6). We honor the Lord through our mothers and the love and care which they give to those whom the Lord has given to them. “May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!” – Proverbs 23:25
|
Archives
April 2020
Categories
All
|