Sharing What's Really Important

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Love Worth Remembering and Celebrating - Holy Week

Dear Fellow Children of God,

What do you remember about September 11, 2001, the dreadful day of the attack on the World Trade Towers? If I asked you to remember this event, I expect your memory can bring back a picture of a tower smoking after the plane had flown into it. These days with all the media coverage we have pictures seared into our minds and our memories. With those images also come the thoughts and feelings of an attack on civilians and the loss of innocent lives. September 11 is a somber day etched forever in the minds and hearts of those who lived it.

This Sunday we begin another somber memory. For this coming week we get to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, the eternal Son of God and the only perfect man who ever lived. On Palm Sunday, celebrated on March 24 this year, Christians remember the shouts of joy and praise that welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem. But, people of the same city which praised Him on Sunday as the Son of David and the Messiah were present to arrest Him on Thursday. When Pontius Pilate wanted to release Jesus, people of the same city cried out, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” In the same city where Jesus was praised on entering Sunday, people on Friday mocked him as he hung on the cross in, dying in pain.

We weren’t there but we have all seen paintings and movies of Jesus hanging in bloody agony on the cross. Those pictures easily come to mind. Yet, there is something different about this scene. The victim hanging on the cross is there knowingly. Jesus went to Jerusalem on purpose, knowing that arrest and the cross lay before Him. Jesus went in love for us because we were lost in sin and death. The death of Jesus is the greatest sacrifice and the greatest love the world has ever known. Scripture tells us, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10)” Jesus knowingly went to Jerusalem so that He might suffer and die and save those who believe in Him as Savior, even if they had been calling for His death on Thursday and mocking Him on Friday.

I expect you may have celebrated a wedding anniversary. We observe anniversaries to celebrate the day love began in a marriage. We have even greater love to celebrate this coming week. We get to remember and celebrate and receive the sacrificial love of God shown in the suffering and death of Jesus, even for a world that was rejecting Him.

So, let’s remember and celebrate. I urge you to make it a point to worship this Sunday, Palm Sunday. Join Jesus’ disciples and the children of Jerusalem in welcoming Jesus with palms and praise as He willingly enters the city to sacrifice Himself for the world. I also urge you to make it a point to celebrate God’s love in worship on Thursday. Maundy Thursday is the day Jesus celebrated the Passover, washed His disciples feet, and instituted the Lord’s Supper, an on-going gift of forgiveness and love. I especially urge you to make it a point to worship on Friday. Even though this was not a good day for Jesus, we call this day Good Friday, because the perfect Son of God died on the cross to forgive and save sinners like us.

We can’t help but remember somber days of loss. We willingly celebrate the beginning of love in anniversaries. This week God again calls us to remember and receive His sacrificial love that saves us from sin and death for eternal life in heaven. This is worth celebrating. I hope to see you in worship!

A Child of God, Overwhelmed by the Sacrificial Love of God,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. THE SHANE WOODS ICE FISHING OUTING was held last Sunday. A good group of adults and children enjoyed a crisp day of sun on Finger Lake, and remembered Shane Woods who gave his life for His country. Here are some pictures from that event. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5856558582034437761?banner=pwa

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ - I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have. (I am always adding new However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Gift of Peace

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Have you ever heard someone say, “If only I could win the lottery, all my troubles would be over.”? I’ve heard that statement more than once. But, I’ve also read stories that most people who win a lottery end up with strained family relationships and in bankruptcy. Perhaps you have known or heard of someone who was financially well off, but was not happy. That seems to be a common place predicament for many of the Hollywood celebrities. Wealth doesn’t always bring happiness. Actually, it is not uncommon to hear about folks who have more in the way of possessions, that they also have more in the way of troubles. People often think that if they had more money their troubles would go away. But this thinking is a foolish trap. More possessions bring more responsibility, and often more responsibilities bring troubles.

This week in my readings and studies I have twice come across God’s words and His gift of peace. In my personal devotions I am reading in the book of Numbers and read where God instructed Moses to tell Aaron to give the blessings of God to the people. Numbers 6:22-27 says, “22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 "'"The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."' 27 "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."

When you worship today you still often receive God’s blessings in the same words as Aaron used 3500 years ago!

In a Saturday Confirmation Class I’m teaching, one of this week’s lessons told of Jesus’ greeting to the disciples the night after his resurrection. Jesus’ greeting was, “Peace be with You.” (or Shalom) (John 20:19). The disciples were hidden and locked away in a room because they feared the same people who killed Jesus would kill them, and Jesus comes bringing peace!

Peace is different from Happiness. Happiness comes and goes with the circumstances of life, and sometimes even when we are well off we aren’t happy. Peace is the gift of God’s presence and blessings. For those who know God’s forgiveness, God’s love, God’s presence, and the blessings God gives, peace is something that can bless us even in the worst of times. God told Aaron to bless the Israelites with His peace even when they were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Jesus spoke peace to the disciples the third day after His death.

But, where troubles can take away happiness, God gives peace in the very midst of the troubles of life. No matter what hardship, or illness, or loss you may be facing, as you know God’s love for you in Jesus you are safe in His loving hands.

Money doesn’t always bring happiness. But, for those who know and receive the love of God, He always brings peace, no matter what is happening in our lives.

A Child of God, Thankful for the Blessings of God,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. SHANE WOODS ICE FISHING DAY IS TOMORROW!!!! – The Promise Keepers of St. John will be holding an ice fishing day for the children of the congregation this Sunday, March 17, after late worship at Finger Lake.

· Poles and bait are ready.

· The ice auger is warmed up.

· Hot dogs and hot cocoa are purchased.

· Fire is coming.

Drive out on the lake and join us for this day of family fun in remembrance of St. John member and soldier, Shane Woods!!! Pictures to follow next week!!

P.P.S. My granddaughter, Emmalee and I caught fish on Finger Lake last Monday.

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Saturday, March 9, 2013

Is Sin Really Serious?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

This week in my devotional readings from the Today’s Light Bible I have been reading in Leviticus, specifically chapters 4-19. As I have read through these chapters it is striking how many ways the Jews were called to stay away from personal sin against God and others, and how much work they had to do to stay ceremonially clean so they could worship the Lord. The devotional writer in this Bible suggested that the many requirements for spiritual purity point to the overwhelming presence of sin in our world and in our lives.

Sin is considered by many today to be an “old-fashioned” idea that has little or no relevance in today’s world. I guess if we don’t believe that we have been created in wisdom and love by God, and if we believe we don’t answer to our Creator and Lord, then sin can seem an outdated idea. But, if we sincerely believe we are children of God, to whom we owe honor and love and obedience, then anything that harms or breaks our relationship with God is serious. Christians believe that the struggle with sin is constant.

This Lent as a small part of my Lenten disciplines I have given up caffeine. Any of you who know me, know I especially appreciate a strong cup of coffee. There are daily reminders and temptations to compromise my discipline during Lent. In truth, drinking coffee in and of itself is not a sin, but it points me to the many ways we are daily tempted to compromise God’s call to be holy as He is holy. Every day we each face temptations to selfishness, lust, unrighteous anger, or other actions that disobey God and hurt others. These sins are not just some old fashioned way to think. They are serious. How serious? The first half of Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death. . . ” If you think death is serious, then sin is serious.

These Lenten disciplines not only point us to our struggle with sin, but they point us to our only real hope. I know that I have drunk caffeine at least twice this Lent. One time I did so out of politeness at someone’s home. Another time I thought I was drinking something that was de-caffeinated, but my racing heart later told me there was indeed caffeine in the drink. Even with my best efforts I have not perfectly kept my goal. We are all much worse when it comes to obeying God and loving others. Even when we try to obey we fail. And how about the times we don’t even want to try?

The Jews had many laws to keep them obedient and pure, but they were unable to keep them all. We have a God who created us in love, but we do not always obey Him. Often we obey our own sinful desires. That is why it is important to know the seriousness of our sin. That is why it is important to know the only real source of help for our eternal relationship with God.

The whole verse from Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Thankfully, God has an answer for our failure, our Savior, Jesus. Our sin demands and leads to death, but Jesus kept God’s law. When we believe in Jesus God forgives our sins. Instead of the death we deserve for the serious break that our sin causes in our relationship with our Heavenly Father, God reaches out with Jesus and calls us to love and eternal life. Jesus’ life and death and resurrection are our only real hope.

If sin seems like an outmoded idea of a less educated time, then I guess it doesn’t seem like we need a Savior. But, if death is real, maybe you know the depth of the gift that God has given in His only Son, Jesus. May your Lent point you in faith to Jesus, our Savior from sin.

A Child of God, Thankful for the Gift of God,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME HITS TONIGHT. Remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour before going to bed tonight.

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ - I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have. (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.) However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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Friday, February 22, 2013

Messages of New Life

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Last Monday I took four middle school Confirmation students ice fishing. It was one of those Chamber of Commerce days. The sun was bright. The snow was new. The temperatures were cold enough to be invigorating, but it was warm enough that we didn’t need our gloves to bait the hooks. It was hard not to feel refreshed after a day outdoors in the beauty of late winter.

The time of late February and early March is one of my favorite times of the year in Alaska. The daylight hours have grown so that the darkness of winter begins to fade, giving way to longer hours of sunlight. Yet, winter is not yet over. A whole season of snow has dropped so the extra sunshine reflects off the white snow of a full winter, giving even more light. The crisp winter temperatures combined with the long hours of light provide an opportunity for really appreciating the outdoors and God’s gift of winter. These are some of the best days to walk, or ice-fish, or ski, or snow shoe, or snow machine. The days of darkness when we feel like hibernating have given way to a sense of being awake and being alive.

I am convinced God uses many different voices to speak to us. God’s clearest message of love comes in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus. Today, we hear God’s plan for us in Jesus most clearly and faithfully in the Scriptures. God also speaks to us through acts of faith and love in His children. God’s powerful acts in history also speak. For example, Scripture tell us that the Old Testament events of the Flood and the Exodus communicate to us God’s ultimate plan to save us.

The awakening from winter which happens this time of year is one way God speaks to my heart of the new life He gives us in Jesus. We awaken from the darkness of sin and death and live in what God has won for us in the forgiving death of Jesus, and his victorious resurrection. Yes, this new life is totally fulfilled in heaven, but we get to live in the beginning reality of new life in Jesus today.

That is what God tells us through Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:15-17. Jesus’ saving life and death and resurrection give us new life. We begin to live in that new life now. “15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

This time of year awakens my heart and speaks to me of new life. That new life comes from Jesus. May the growing light of late February and early March be a blessing to you, and speak to your heart of the new life God gives us in Jesus.

A Child of God, Enjoying the longer daylight hours, rejoicing in Jesus, the Light of the World,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here are some pictures from the fishing trip. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums?banner=pwa&gpsrc=pwrd1#photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5847903403474505313

P.P.S. This weekend Jamie, our Director of Christian Education, myself, and some other adults will take between 15 and 20 middle school children to Victory Bible Camp for a retreat. This is another opportunity to enjoy God’s blessings this time of year, and grow in faith and love.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Ash Wednesday and a Repentant Spirit

Dear Fellow Children of God,

This Wednesday, February 13 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lent is the church season where Christians especially remember our sin and Jesus’ suffering and sacrificial death. St. John celebrates Lent with special mid-week Lenten services at 6:30 p.m. each week during this season. This year our worship focuses on “The Prayers of Jesus” and the services are held on February 13, 20, 27, and March 6, 13, and 20. Please join us.

The season of Lent may be ‘famous’ in our world for two reasons. First, many Christians have taken on the discipline of self-denial or fasting during Lent. This Lenten discipline helps us to grow in our fight against our sinful desires and passions. Every human has rebelled against our Creator and our Savior with acts of rebellion, selfishness, and disobedience. We deserve God’s punishment now and eternally for our sins. But, God has worked to forgive us through His Son. Jesus had to die so that our sins could be paid for. This discipline of self-denial helps Christians take our sin seriously and helps us to live for God rather than ourselves.

The other reason Lent is famous in today’s world is the event of Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, which takes place in New Orleans and other cities around the world on the day before Ash Wednesday. This event began with the following rationale; ‘If I am going to give something up during the season of Lent, let’s participate in one last event of self-indulgence before the self-denial begins.’ You know as well as I do that Mardi Gras for many has just become an excuse for a big wild party, even if the participants are not giving up something for Lent.

Actually, the best way to celebrate Lent is an attitude of humble repentance. No matter how much we deny ourselves we are still sinners. We still need God’s merciful and sacrificial love in Jesus. We all desperately need a Savior. Repentance trusts God’s forgiveness rather than our work and effort. Repentance trusts God’s love rather than our righteousness. Repentance admits our own failings and leads us to live in humility.

In 1 John 1:8-9 God caused John to write, “8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

In a world where people want to be known for their good deeds rather than their sins, repentance goes contrary to the way people think and feel. But, the truth is we have all failed God and are sinners. In a world that often encourages ‘in your face’ trash talking and pride, repentant humility is not common. Sometimes because we struggle inwardly with repentance, outward acts and signs help our heart in its search to serve the God who loves us and saved us.

So, consider what might help you in your bringing repentance to your heart. Perhaps the imposition of ashes in the Ash Wednesday service will help your humble repentance. Perhaps the disciplines of self-denial and worship will help your heart. Or, best yet, maybe knowing the love of God that He forgives our sins will change our heart so we live for Him.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

A Child of God, Seeking humble repentance in the presence of God and others,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here are some pictures of ice fishing at the Marriage retreat on Saturday, February 9, and from ice fishing on Monday, February 11, with Granddaughter, Emma. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/IceFishingFebruary9And112013?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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Friday, February 8, 2013

God's Help for Marriage

Dear Fellow Children of God,

After Wednesday night worship I was making announcements and mentioned about the Marriage Retreat we are holding this weekend for couples out the Alaska Sunset View Resort on Big Lake. One of those attending worship joked that they would like to go to the lodge, but they couldn’t attend because they weren’t married. I was being “discriminatory.” I replied, also somewhat joking, that marriage was part of God’s plan for His creation, and married people had special problems and needed special help.

Those words may have been said in a joking manner, but I believe what was said. I do believe that marriage is God’s plan and married people need special help. Jesus himself said this in Matthew 19, 4 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' 5 and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:4-6)

In a recent gathering of pastors we discussed the topic, “Things you aren’t supposed to talk about.” Maybe a better title would be, “Things people wish pastors didn’t talk about.” God’s plan for sexuality and marriage is one of those topics. But it is obvious that Jesus talked about God’s plan and God’s help for marriage. The church is called to share the “whole will of God.” (Acts 20:27) So I believe a faithful pastor speaks God’s Word to help people with God’s plan.

Some lessons we can learn from these words in Matthew 19 from Jesus himself include that marriage is God’s plan from creation, from the beginning. God intends marriage to be between one man and one woman. When a man and a woman are married, they become one. Jesus indicates that this physical, spiritual, and social unity are intended by God to last till death.

So there are certain practices that are common today that are not part of God’s plan. Sex outside of marriage is not part of God’s plan. Sex between those who are not a married man and woman is not part of God’s plan. Divorce is not part of God’s plan. I know that these teachings which 50, 40, even 30 years ago would have been considered so accepted that they didn’t need mentioning, are controversial today. But, God’s plan for creation continues to be the healthiest, most joyful, and most fulfilling way to live. Yet, you and I all know people who struggle to live God’s plan. In honesty, all of us struggle and we all need God’s help.

That is why Jesus spoke these words in the verse above. It is not just people today who struggle with God’s plan for marriage and sexuality, the people of Jesus’ day were struggling with these same issues as well. So Jesus was providing direction and help. Therefore, the most important words of Jesus in this section of Scripture might be from verse 6, “what God has joined together.” If God’s plan for marriage is a struggle, it is good to know that God Himself is there helping us and joining us. Thankfully, during His ministry Jesus gave help for God’s plan as well, in words and actions of love and forgiveness. Time and again Jesus met people who struggled in this area. Time and again Jesus reached out in love and forgiveness and worked to bring them back to God.

This weekend a group of couples are “retreating” so we can be by ourselves, and so that we can receive God’s help. In fact the theme of the weekend is, “Growing in the Lord . . . Growing in our Marriage.” May God bless all His created people with his love and forgiveness, and may God bless families to live in the joy and health of the wise plan God has given since creation.

A Child of God, Constantly seeking the help of God,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. NEW BIBLE CLASSES!!!!!! New Bible classes are starting on Sundays. Please plan to attend.

· TOPICAL CLASS – Dave Nufer will be starting a topical class, on “Stress”, beginning February 3. The actual title of this class is, “Busy, Tired, Stressed Out and Stretched to the Limit?” This class will meet in the Fellowship Hall.

· WOMEN’S CLASS – Mary Jo Lentz continues to teach a class on "Romans.” This women’s class meets in the Cry Room in the Sanctuary.

· SCRIPTURE CLASS –Randy Luffberry finished the class on Ecclesiastes, Jim Summers will also be teaching a class on Romans. This will be held in the library, beginning February 17.

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Saturday, February 2, 2013

Whether we Live or Whether we Die, We are the Lord's

Dear Fellow Children of God,

You probably know the old proverb, “The only things sure in life are death and taxes.” We have been living that proverb at St. John the last couple of weeks. Last week we had a funeral for regular St. John worshiper, Burton Fields, who passed away from lung cancer. Then this past Friday the funeral was held for 18 year old Zach Sharlow, killed in a tragic car accident, and we grieved with his family and friends as they said good-bye and took comfort from God’s love. There have also been other deaths which have touched our congregation and God’s ministry here.

And, if all that isn’t enough, our Promise Keepers’ Men’s Group began a new Bible Study this week. The title of the study is, “Death – Then What?” One of our attendees, Fred Voight, even said something about the dark days of January being a time we often experience death in Alaska.

There are a lot of grieving and hurting people in our community right now. While we cannot take away the hurt of the loss, there is comfort to give in these times of grief. Surprisingly, some of that comfort comes from another death of sorts.

Last Sunday we had a baptism in worship for 80 year old Al McNiven. This Sunday 4 year old Leland Nichols will be baptized. Baptism is described in Romans 6:3-4 as death. God tells us in Romans that in baptism we die with Jesus to rise with Him and walk in newness of life. Baptism is also described as new life in John 3:3-5. It isn’t the water that turns death into life, but the relationship with Jesus does this. God uses the Word and the water of baptism to work faith and strengthen faith in Jesus. When we are joined to Jesus we are united with the one who died in love for us to defeat sin and who rose to give eternal life.

Death and taxes may be inevitable, but they do not have the final word. God’s love speaks more loudly than death, and God’s Word speaks more loudly than the sin that causes death, because in love He took on our suffering Himself so that we might be saved through Him.

So, in two weeks time we will have experienced 2 funerals and 2 baptisms. We have encountered death, and the victory over death that God gives in Jesus. No wonder God causes Paul to write to the Christians in Rome, “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)

I am glad that Burton and Zach knew Jesus who overcomes death. I am glad the Al and Leland know Jesus and are growing in His love and life. There is reason to rejoice both at the victory over death and new life which God gives to His people.

A Child of God, Grieving and Rejoicing,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. On top of all this, I have an appointment to work on taxes this coming Tuesday!!!

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