"The Depth of God's Love - The Cross!"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Have you ever felt un-loved, or lacking value?  In a Christian Couples’ Group get together this week someone noted how a person can feel failure when life has its struggles.  For example, if someone loses their job they may feel like they failed in life.  Or, when troubles happen with family and friends a person can feel unloved. 

This Sunday begins the celebration of Holy Week, the last week of Jesus’ life before His Crucifixion.  In reality the opposition, torture, and execution Jesus faced are a testimony to the sin and evil that exist in the world, and exist in all of us.  But, at the same time the suffering and death of Jesus show us the depth of God’s love for us in the lengths to which God was willing to go to save us.  The suffering and death of Jesus show us how great a price He paid to save us.

Consider the events of Holy week.  The story of Palm Sunday says that God loves us enough so that the Creator of the universe enters Jerusalem in humility on a donkey.  Yes, there were cheers from the crowd, but there was criticism and opposition from the religious leaders.  Jesus willingly accepted that opposition for us.

On Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week Jesus spent His time in the temple.  His teaching and discussions were not necessarily pleasant.  In fact, Jesus was constantly attacked and criticized by the leaders of the day.  Jesus was willing to face this attack and criticism, because He loved us.

On Thursday of Holy Week Jesus not only celebrated the Passover but He also washed His disciples’ feet.  The King of Kings and Lord of Lords took on the job of a servant to show how much He valued the disciples and gave them an example of humility to follow.  Later that evening, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.  He knew he would be arrested.  But Jesus Himself, and the prophets before Him, had said this was coming.  Jesus was willing to humble Himself and be arrested because He loves us.

On Thursday night and Friday Jesus faced trumped up charges in a crooked trial.  He was mocked, whipped, and beaten. He was then nailed to a cross where He hung bleeding, suffocating, thirsty, in pain and dying on that cross.  Jesus knowingly went forward to his betrayal, His suffering, and His death to pay for our sins  . . . because He loves us.

And please realize, it is not that we are better people or less sinful than the people of Jesus’ day.  We too are proud, rebellious, lustful, greedy and selfish like the people of Jesus’ day.  So Jesus’ love is amazing not only in the lengths and depths to which He went to love us, but His love is also amazing because He was willing to be rejected, and suffer, and die for sinners such as you and me.  One of my favorite sections of Scripture is Romans 5:6-8 where God speaks of the surprise of His love. 

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Holy Week is worth celebrating.  If you ever feel unloved or worthless, please realize how in the events of Holy Week God shouts His love for you and how valuable you are to Him.  The Creator of the Universe, the Son of God Himself, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords willingly submitted Himself to the humility, the suffering and the death He faced for us.  If God would do that for us we must really be important to Him. 

A Child of God, Amazed and Humbled at God’s Love for me in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

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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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"Learning from Family - Christ our Passover Lamb"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

In January I traveled to the places where I was raised.  I was in Massachusetts for important events in the life of my dad’s only brother.  I was born and lived in western Massachusetts the first 12 years of my life, My wife and I then went to Florida, since we were already outside, and spent time with the rest of my family.  When I was 12 my dad’s job with General Electric took our family to Gainesville, FL.  My dad and my siblings still live in the area. 

There is one thing about these trips home.  I not only get to visit relatives and friends, but I often learn something about myself.  One dramatic example happened on a visit to Massachusetts with my wife and children a number of years ago.  I was asking about my grandfather, my dad’s dad, who had a great impact on my life.  My uncle replied, “Joni (pronounced Johnny – that’s what I was called as a child), your grandfather was the noisiest person I know, and you are noisier than he was.  Hmmm.  Maybe that explains a few things.  My wife has not forgotten that comment either, and from time to time she still reminds me what my uncle said.

This Sunday we have a special presentation at St. John from David Garrett of Jews for Jesus in both our 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. worship services.  Some might ask, “Why would we want to hear from Jews for Jesus.”  We may forget that people of the Jewish faith are our spiritual ancestors.  Every time we go home (to the Old Testament) we not only get to visit friends and relatives, we learn some things about ourselves.  The people of Israel are not only the people of God privileged to be those through whom God’s promises were given to the whole world.  The Jews themselves needed the promised Savior.  The people of Israel were constantly turning away from God in sinful, rebellious behavior.  Whether in the wilderness, or during the time of the Judges, or during the time of the prophets, time and time again the Israelite people wandered from serving God, and the only way back to a healthy relationship with their heavenly Father was the forgiveness that God gives, ultimately through Jesus, the Messiah or the Christ.

David Garrett’s presentation to us at St. John is called, “Christ in the Passover.”  Christians don’t practice circumcision and the sacrifice found in the Passover.  Instead, through Jesus, Christians have baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  But Paul still reminds the Christians in Corinth,  “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7 )  Paul wrote this in a section of Scripture where the people Christians of Corinth were being confronted with horribly sinful behavior when they needed to turn from sin to righteousness.  God is telling the Corinthians through Paul, “Look at the extent to which God went to love and redeem you.  Repent of your sin and turn to God’s love and forgiveness in Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for your sin.”  Hmmmm.  Do those words sound appropriate for your life?  They do to mine.  Thank God for His love in Jesus.  Thank God for our Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ.

Last night (Friday night) I attended an event hosted by the Alaska Correctional Ministries.  Over 30 former convicts who had come to faith in Jesus while previously in prison were present to help show the fruits of this ministry.  Chaplain Mike Ensch had a special name for these folks.  My wife posted that name on Facebook in the middle of the presentation.  He called them, “Redeemed Citizens.”  In many ways these are our brothers and sisters in the faith.  When we learn about family we learn about ourselves.  How appropriate a title for God’s people, people who have been saved from sinful wandering by the love and sacrifice of God, Jesus our Passover Lamb.

Maybe, like me, when you visit family you learn about yourself.  Over the years I’ve learned that without the love of my heavenly Father, I would be lost.  I thank God for His forgiving and redeeming love given to me through faith in Jesus Christ.  I need it.

A Child of God, Redeemed by the Sacrifice of Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

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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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The GIFT of Sacrificial Love

Dear Fellow Children of God,

This Sunday our church had scheduled our 4^th annual Shane Woods Ice-fishing Outing.  One reason we hold this church event goes back to January 2006.  Early that year the men in our congregation took the children of our church fishing on Finger Lake.  One of  those who went with us was Shane Woods, who was home on leave from active duty in the Army.  I remember watching Shane down on his knees on the ice holding the lines of the children until he hooked a fish.  He then told the children to reel in their fish.  There were many delighted children.  Shane touched many lives that day.

A couple of days after this event Shane left to serve in Iraq.  In August of that year he was killed while serving our country, his country.  Before he lost his life Shane’s dad told me that Shane was in a tough area in Iraq, and he knew it.  His grandmother told me that Shane had said he was glad to be in Iraq fighting, because he believed that if he wasn’t fighting over there, he would have to be fighting here.  Shane knew the risks of serving but was willing to put his life on the line for what he believed was the good of his country.  Shane’s patriotism and love for America is not something he developed in a vacuum.  Shane’s parents and grandparents love our country and have worked hard serving their country.  Shane came by his sacrificial attitude naturally.

This coming Sunday our assigned Gospel Reading in worship is from John 3.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Perhaps surprisingly, it was Jesus who spoke these words.  Our entry into heaven is not only a gift of our Heavenly Father who sent His Son.  In speaking these words Jesus shows that He knew his own sacrificial death was coming.  He willingly came to this world to save you and to save me as we believe in Jesus as our Savior.

Having known Shane, having cared about Shane, having respected Shane, his death continues to be a great loss.  I miss his humble attitude, his strong faith, and his easy smile.  It helps to know that Shane knew that serving his country put his life in danger and that he served anyway.  Even though knowing this helps, I still miss Shane.

Sometimes it seems we hear so often that Jesus loved us so that He died for us that the words can lose their impact.  But, Shane’s sacrifice helps me under understand Jesus’ sacrifice.  Knowing Shane’s willing service in the face of danger, and knowing the ache of losing him, helps me understand not only Jesus’ sacrifice, but His love for us.  Knowing Jesus’ willing sacrifice for me and the whole world, helps me to love my Savior.

As we approached another annual Shane Woods Ice Fishing Outing, I wanted our congregation and our community to know the man after whom we have named this event.  He continues to be missed.  And, I pray you never grow numb to the even greater sacrificial love that Jesus has for us.  It not only provides the gift heaven in the future, but also provides us with love for Jesus in this life.

A Child of God, overwhelmed by Jesus’ sacrifice for me.

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  That same Christmas break we had two young soldiers worshipping with us in uniform, Shane Woods and Justine Gallegos, the son in law of Diana Christensen and husband of Diana’s daughter Amanda.  Justin lost his life in Afghanistan in October 2009.

P.P.S.  Our Shane Woods Ice Fishing outing this year has been postponed till next year.  Details are listed below.

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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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God's Plan for Parents to Pass on the Faith to Children

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Last Saturday two of our grandchildren spent time at our home while mom and dad were at work.  Andy and Justine’s children, Jackson and Kendall, attended their cousin’s birthday party and then spent the rest of the day with Mimi and Poppy until their dad got off work.  Grand children are a special gift of God!

During the afternoon my granddaughter, Kendall, found a toy in the corner of our living room.  It’s not much of a toy by today’s standards.  This toy is made of wood and string.  There is a wooden handle that pulls sets of colored wheels connected by a string.  But, it turns out this was a toy my dad played with as a child.  It is a toy I played with as a child.  This wooden contraption is a toy Kendall’s dad enjoyed.  Now Kendall is fascinated with this toy too.

This toy reminds me of God’s plan for families.  Grandchildren may be a blessing, but so are godly parents and uncles and aunt and grandparents.  God’s plan is that parents pass down Christian faith and values to their children, just like this toy has been passed down in our family. 

Maybe you know a couple of verses that share God’s plan.  In Proverbs 22:6, God says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  In Ephesians 6:4, God says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  God’s plan is for godly parents to teach their children about God and His love for them.

One of the things that brings home the truth that godly parents, are a blessing is what I heard the day after Jackson and Kendall visited us.  Our church heard some presentations on homelessness last Sunday.  Among the presenters was Mike Carson with MY House (Mat Su Youth Housing).  Mike said something that stuck with me.  “Some people say the problem is that parents aren’t parenting.  I believe the problem is some parents don’t know how to parent.”  Either way, the plight of homeless youth is a real tragedy.

But, it is never too late to learn good parenting skills.  The greatest love ever known comes from our Heavenly Father.  God the Father not only gave us life in creation, He sent His only Son, Jesus, to save us.  When someone comes to know that sacrificial giving love of God, it changes a person’s life.  When we know the love of our Heavenly Father, we become better fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, grandfathers and grandmothers.

It did my heart good to see my granddaughter so fascinated with such a simple toy, one her grandfather and great-grandfather played with themselves.  I pray we are also passing down the love of Jesus, as God has passed it down to us. 

A Child of God, praying for my children and grandchildren,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Here are pictures of Kendall playing with the toy, and a picture of Jackson and grandma.   https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/JacksonAndKendall332012?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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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.

Faith to Trust God's Answer to Prayer

Dear Fellow Children of God,

This week I received an e-mail about someone who was confirmed with me in 1967 in Gainesville, Florida.  The e-mail was from family asking for prayer for this lady I knew as a young girl.  I prayed for her, but I have since received news that she passed away.

On the other hand we have recently prayed in our congregation for people who were not responding to medical care.  But after our prayers their condition improved.  Even the doctors were surprised.  God got credit for improvement and healing in more than one recent situation after our prayers.

So, do you ever wonder why it seems that God answers some prayers but not others?  This doesn’t just happen in the lives of those around us, it happens in our lives too.  In fact, even Jesus faced a similar situation.  In Lenten worship this week we read from Mark 14 about Jesus praying.  “35. . . he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.  36 ‘Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’”  We know the cup of suffering and death did not pass from Jesus.  So, did God the Father ignore the prayer of God the Son?

God hears all prayers and answers them.  He did not answer the prayer of Jesus the way that He prayed at the beginning of His prayer.  He did answer the end of Jesus’ prayer, “not what I will, but what you will.”  Actually, God’s answer to Jesus prayer accomplished God’s will.  It accomplished our forgiveness.  God’s answer gives heaven to all who believe in Jesus.  So God did answer Jesus’ prayer, even though His suffering and death was not taken away.

Some might disagree with me.  When our life doesn’t work out the way we ask in prayer, how can we say God is answering?  It takes faith to see God answering a prayer when things don’t go as we wish.  But, faith trusts that God is wiser than we are.  Faith trusts that God is stronger than our problems.  Faith also trusts that “in all things God works good for those who love Him.”  Faith trusts that even in our troubles God is working for the greater good He sees.

I am thankful for the account of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.  God’s answer to Jesus’ prayer overcame our greatest problems of sin and death.  I like what Father Tim said in the Mitford books when he talked about “the prayer that never fails -  not what I will, but what you will.”   God’s will always shows wisdom and love.  Because of God’s wisdom and love I can trust God’s answer, even when it seems different than my prayers.

A Child of God, trusting God in good and bad,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Last Sunday Jamie, and Carolyn Dwight, and some other adults and I took our confirmation students to Victory Bible Camp for the yearly confirmation retreat.  Here are some pictures. https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/ConfirmationRetreat2012?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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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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