Continuing to Celebrate the Joy of Christmas

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

So, traditional western Christmas Day is past.  The candlelight services are completed.  The presents are opened.  Most family meals and celebrations are eaten, and we know we ate a little (or a lot) too much.  What happens now?

 

When do you take down the Christmas tree?  When do you take down the manger scenes?  When do the decorations get put back in the boxes and stored in the crawl space or the attic?  In some ways it is almost like there is peace and joy while the holiday is here, but then it vanishes until December 25 rolls around next year.

 

Let me share with you a number of ways that God’s people have continued to celebrate His Christmas love throughout the years, even after the dates of celebration have passed.  Because, you see, God’s love and blessings are forever!

 

Do you know about the Jewish festival called, “Purim?”  This celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people living in the Persian kingdom during the Babylonian exile.  The evil ruler Haman was going to have all the Jews killed, because Haman hated Mordecai.  But, by the grace of God, with the help of Mordecai’s niece, Queen Esther, Haman was foiled and the Jews were saved and blessed.  This was such a significant event that in Esther 9 the Jews were given the following instructions concerning the celebration of this deliverance by God. 

 

“21 . . . have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar  22 as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the       month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of     celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and      giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.”

 

It has always struck me that this Old Testament celebration in many ways sounds like our present day Christmas.  Purim included feasting and joy and presents of food, and gifts to the poor.  And, notice this was an annual celebration.  The annual celebration reminded the Jews, and God’s people today, that even when the days of feasting ended, the love and blessings of God continue.  (By the way, in 2016 the Jewish celebration of Purim begins on March 22.)

 

Or, maybe you have heard the song called, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”  Actually, this is a song that was written by Christians to celebrate Christmas when there was persecution in England centuries ago.  But, why twelve days?  Christians have always included the account of the Magi as part of the Christmas story, even though we are told Jesus and his parents were no longer at the manger, but now living in a house at this time.  (Matthew 2:11)  The traditional day for celebrating the arrival of the Magi is January 6.  If you count from Christmas Day through January 6 you’ll find there are 12 days.  In other words, the blessings of Christmas are not just given to us by God on just one day.  In fact, the good news of Christmas, that God is with us and forgives us and saves us in His Son, are eternal blessings worth celebrating throughout our lives.

 

In Hebrews 2 we have a different kind of sharing of the blessings of Christmas.  “14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil-- 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”  (Hebrews 2:14-15)  All our lives we struggle against the temptation and power of the devil.  How appropriate that we continue to celebrate that Jesus destroyed the power of our enemy when he shared in our humanity. 

 

So, the candlelight services are completed.  The presents are opened.  Most family meals and celebrations are eaten.  BUT, the Christmas blessings of God continue.  God IS with us in and through Jesus!  May you continue to live in the peace and joy and eternal life God gave that first Christmas, and continues to give to us throughout eternity!

 

A Child of God, Thankful for the on-going blessings of the Christ-child!

Pastor Jonathan

 

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P.S.  Here is a picture from an ice fishing ADVENTURE!  The lens was foggy, but he smiles are real.  A story will follow later!   https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/IceFishingWinter20152016#6231208772976097074

 

 

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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 regularly 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.

 

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Good News! Great Joy!!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Do you remember your excitement as a child as you awaited Christmas Day?  My excitement would grow for a month.  I had trouble going to sleep on Christmas Eve.  But then on Christmas Day joy exploded with presents, and family, and worship, and food.  We were celebrating the birth of Jesus!  Some things are truly worth celebrating.  Good News!  Great Joy!!

 

The best good news ever was delivered on that first Christmas Eve.  God sent a vast army of angels to common shepherds working the night shift in the fields.  Jesus, the Son of God, the Promised Messiah, the Savior of the world, had been born!  Imagine the night sky lit up with God’s angels!  Imagine those first Christmas carols being sung by that vast choir!  But, perhaps the greatest reason for rejoicing was the message of the angel to the shepherd. 

 

10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  (Luke 2:10-11)

 

To common people in a world lost in its own sin God sent the One who would save all people from sin and death.  No wonder the angels came and sang.  Some things are truly worth celebrating.  Good News!  Great Joy!!

 

I know that not everyone has great memories of Christmas from their childhood.  Not everyone today experiences the peace and joy and love that God intended that first Christmas.  Many even doubt that the Christmas event is real.  But Jesus was born and the words of the angel are true.  “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  Good News!  Great Joy!!

 

Let me share with you a story of God’s Christmas love in our midst this Christmas.  In fact, I was asked to share this story with you.

 

Perhaps you remember that on July 12 David Neslund and his 5 year old son, Leif, were baptized at St. John.  Maybe you didn’t know that 8 days later, as oil prices continued to drop, David lost his job along with others at his place of work.  Three days after that, while trying to finish a home project, David dropped a trailer on his big toe and crushed it.  Later the toe was partially amputated.  But, David now says he believes all this happened so that he would be home for the greater trial and adventure to come.  David and Kristine were expecting, and on August 31, baby Bjorn was born . . . at 23 weeks, 2 days of gestation!  Bjorn’s due date was Christmas day.  But, on August 31 Bjorn was born weighing only 1 lb., 7 oz.!

 

This past Thursday, December 17, after David and I had talked on the phone, I received this following text from him:

            “Greetings again – I talked with Kristine, PLEASE share this with the congregation.  Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, my second son is coming home.  God be praised!”

On Thursday Bjorn weighed 5 lb., 14 oz., more than four times his birth weight!  St. John and many, many, others have brought many prayers for Bjorn and family to the Father of Compassion and the God of all Comfort!  Christmas Eve or Christmas  Day?!  Good news – Great joy!  God is GOOD!!!!!!!!

 

Some things are truly worth celebrating.  And, the best news ever delivered came from the angel that first Christmas.  This good news is true for ALL people!  “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  Good News!  Great Joy!!   God IS gracious and good and loving!

 

God’s Christmas Blessings to each of you!

 

A Child of God, Rejoicing in the Christmas Love of God,

Pastor Jonathan

 

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P.S.  You may hear about Bjorn’s good news again this Christmas.  But, my heart is overflowing with joy at God’s love and I was asked to share, and wanted to share!  Good News!  Great Joy!!

 

P.P.S.  Here are two ice fishing pictures from December 14.  Thank you Kathy for taking these pictures.  We fished in a non-stocked lake, so the limit is 2 fish a person. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/IceFishingWinter20152016#6229135184245668418

 And https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/IceFishingWinter20152016#6229135244629512114

 

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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 regularly 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.

 

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"Prepare the Way for . . . THE LORD"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

When I was pastor in Florida our family would celebrate Christmas Eve with our congregation in Jacksonville and then we would drive to Gainesville where my parents lived.  My mom and dad’s five children and the grandchildren would all gather at their home for the Christmas meal, for exchanging gifts, and for some down time and holiday time together.  As I watched her, my mother never seemed happier than when she had all her children and grandchildren in her home.

 

But, having the family at her home took a lot of preparation by my parents.  In addition to buying the food, and decorating the house, my mom would get all the bedrooms prepared for the out-of-town family.  She used to rearrange the furniture, make room for all the kids, and make the beds.  Kathy and I would sleep in 2 single beds that my mom tied together with a piece of yarn.  That was her special touch, along with a little humor.  But, her preparation for loved ones at Christmas time took a lot of effort and time.

 

You know that Christmas is fast approaching.  Are you ready?    I have two suggestions to help you with your preparation.

 

First, let me take a lesson from my parents to listen to God’s instructions about preparing.  For my mom, preparing for Christmas was preparing for loved ones.  God sent John the Baptist to share the words first spoken by Isaiah.  “Prepare the way of the Lord.”  (Luke 3:4)  Preparing for Christmas is not really about preparing for a holiday or for an occasion.  Preparing for Christmas is about preparing for the one who loves us the most.  We are preparing for the birth of our Lord and Savior.  We are preparing for Jesus, the Son of God himself.

 

In that Luke 3 passage John tells the people of his day that this preparation happens when the hills are made low and the crooked roads are straightened.  We prepare for Jesus to come to us when we lower ourselves and straighten crooked roads in our lives.  When we admit our sin and failure and when seek to turn away from our sin, we are lowering the hills of pride and selfishness and straightening the crooked ways of sin.  And, when we know our sin, we know how very much we need a Savior.  When we know our need for a Savior we are less likely to trust ourselves and more ready to trust the one who came to earth for us, who died for us, and who rose again.  God is calling us to prepare our hearts to receive Him in repentance and faith.

 

Martin Luther said this better, however, in a Christmas hymn he wrote, “From Heaven Above.”

         Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,

Prepare a bed, soft, undefiled,

A quiet chamber set apart

For You to dwell within my heart.

 

Secondly, as we seek to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus, please consider a verse from the Psalms.  "Be still, and know that I am God;"  (Psalm 46:10)  To prepare for Jesus to come to us, it is good to “be still”, to take time alone for you and God.  Be still and consider God’s grace, that He loves us in spite of our rebellion.  Take quiet time and meditate on the wonder of Christmas, that God became man.  Set time aside to bask in the miracle that the Lord and Creator of all, the One and Only, knows and loves each one of us and has come to save us.  Spending more time shopping or decorating doesn’t prepare our hearts for God.  But, time in worship, time in prayer, time reading the Scriptures, time with our Lord prepares a place in our heart for Him to come to us. 

 

For years my mom prepared her home for our Christmas visit.  Her preparation showed us how much she loved us.  Our Alaska family will gather in our home this Christmas, and it will be one of the happiest times of the year for my wife, Kathy, and I.  But, ultimately, Christmas is about Jesus coming to us, and we want to receive Him in repentance, in faith, in love.  “Prepare the way for the Lord.”

 

A Child of God, Preparing my heart for JESUS this Advent,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here is a picture after the first day of ice fishing this winter - https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/IceFishingWinter20152016

 

P.P.S.  Kathy posted this picture of our family on Facebook.  This was from 1983.  Who is that guy with hair???? You can also look at the other pictures in this album. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/FamilyChristmas#6227121161771775650

 

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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 regularly 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.

 

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Looking for Jesus in a World of Terrorism

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I saw a front page headlines for the New York Daily News this week that read, “God Isn’t Fixing This – 14 dead in California Mass Shooting.”  As you probably know this headline is pointing to the deadly shooting attack this week by a husband and wife in San Bernadino, CA.  Reports are pointing to motives of terrorism for the couple who did the shooting.  Doesn’t it seem that we are just recovering from attacks in Paris?!

 

Our world is a place of sin and violence, and the situation does not appear to be getting any better.  Maybe we can at least understand the feelings of a headline writer who wonders why God might allow terrorism and violence to continue, to hurt innocent people, and affect our lives.

 

But, truthfully, the violence of today is nothing new.  Jesus came into a world where the ultimate punishment was crucifixion, days of torture leading to death on a cross.  Jesus came to a world where armies would lay siege to cities and bring them to surrender through destruction and starvation.  Jesus came to a world where innocent children were killed by the government, because in a couple of decades they might have posed a potential threat to the king’s claim to power.

 

In a devotion I read this week by seminary president, Dr. Dale Meyer, he quotes the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament which says, “The origin of evil in man is wrapped in impenetrable obscurity.  Evil reaches right down into the hidden roots of our existence.” So Dale continues, “Government can curb evil but evil remains in ‘the hidden roots of our existence.’”

 

So, when our local community faces drug incited crime, when our country suffers from corruption in government, and when our world is afflicted by terrorism, in many ways it is the same old story.

 

However, when the newspaper headline says, “God Isn’t Fixing This”, the headline is wrong.  We can accurately say that government policies are not fixing the problem.  We can say that all the best intentioned efforts of our world, are not getting rid of our problems.  We can say that wishing things were better is not fixing our problems.  But, and this is a BIG ‘BUT,’ the truth is God has done something about the crime and corruption and violence and sin in the world.  God sent Jesus into the world to save people from sin so that we may pursue lives of faith and love in this world, and so that by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus, we receive eternal life in heaven. 

 

The assigned Gospel reading for worship this Sunday is from Luke 3 and tells about John the Baptist calling the people of His time to repentance.  John tells the people of His time, “9 The ax is already at the root of the trees . . .”  The sin of even religious people is so deep that punishment is bound to come. 

 

But, punishment only confronts evil, it does not overcome the evil.  So, John goes on to say, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”  That is why God takes the unthinkable step of sending His Son from the glory of heaven, to the pain of the earth.  God takes the unthinkable step of letting His eternal Son die to take on Himself the punishment for the sins of people who cannot overcome them.  And, God accomplishes the amazing victory of defeating sin and death when Jesus rose from the grave on the third day.

 

God has done something to fix the crime and violence and terrorism in this world.  God sends Jesus.  As we live in a world broken by sin, every day we look to find Jesus in the middle of the mess of this world, and He is there.  Jesus is there forgiving.  Jesus is there strengthening.  Jesus is in our lives comforting and guiding.  Jesus is here changing hearts and saving people for eternal life in heaven.  We can miss Him because of this world’s trials.  But we look, and He is there.

 

The headline may respond to a terrorist attack by saying “God Isn’t Fixing This.”  But, God has fixed it for eternity by sending Jesus, and we see God’s love every day in our lives.

 

A Child of God, Looking to See Jesus in this World of Sin and Violence

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  At Confirmation this past Wednesday students made Christmas stockings to share with children in need.  Here is a link to the first day of making stockings.  https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/ChristmasStockingsAtConfirmationClass1222015

 

 

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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 regularly 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.

 

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Anticipation and Waiting for Christ . . . mas

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Have you seen the Christmas displays in the stores?  Actually, Christmas decorations and gifts have been on display in stores since just after Halloween.  I do not like it when the commercialization and materialization of the cultural Christmas holiday drowns out the Christmas message of the birth of God’s Son, our Savior.  But I don’t mind the anticipation and the waiting. People live in anticipation of Christmas, because Christmas is worth waiting for.

 

Anticipation is part of the Biblical story of the people God waiting for the coming of God’s promised Savior.  From the beginning of time God had been promising to send a Savior who would defeat the enemy of His people.  Sometimes God’s people forgot that their greatest enemy was not so much other nations and people.  Satan and the temptations to sin are the ultimate enemies of all people in the world.  Sin brings suffering and pain and death.  But people still  anxiously waited for the promised Savior who would bring deliverance. 

 

In the time of John the Baptist the people knew a Savior was coming and you can hear their anticipation.  Listen to the words of Luke 3.  15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. 16 John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  They were “waiting expectantly” for God to fulfill His promise.  John lets them know that he is not the one, but John points to Jesus, the Son of God, who came as God’s Messiah to save the people.  Jesus was worth anticipating and waiting for.

 

What are you waiting for?  What is on your Christmas list this year?  Children like toys and bikes, dolls and sporting goods, or maybe some new computer game.  Adults enjoy things for the home or music, or something to enjoy in the outdoors. 

 

But more important than material gifts, what are the deepest hopes of your heart?  What would really fulfill your dreams for your life?   Personally, my deepest prayers are for God and His grace in the lives of those I care for.  I pray for faith and peace and eternal life for myself and my family.  I pray fervently for God’s love and grace for the people of St. John.  In fact, many of our efforts at St. John are aimed at sharing God and His saving grace and love with others.  I pray because God is worth waiting for.

 

With this in mind, do you know the words of anticipation from Psalm 130?  5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.  The Psalmist knows that the things of this world may bring temporary happiness.  But, it is the Lord who brings love, forgiveness, redemption, and life.  So, he waits for the Lord to reveal Himself in this life and forever.  You see, God is worth waiting for!

 

While stores around us are building up anticipation of Christmas, God’s Church is observing the season of Advent.  Advent is a Latin word that means “coming.”   The anticipation and waiting of Advent point to the coming of God’s Son, our Savior.  We constantly live in hope and anticipation for Jesus to come in our lives.  The anticipation tells us that Jesus and His gifts of love and forgiveness, redemption and life, are worth waiting for. 

 

A Child of God, Waiting Every Day to Experience God and His Love in my Life,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I thought I might have fishing pictures for this message.  On Monday I took Henry fishing, which he had been asking to do.  But, when we got to Seventeen Mile Lake and I opened the door the wind was blowing and blew in Henry’s face.  He told me it was cold and didn’t want to get out.  I drove to a closer lake, Walby, where the wind was not blowing and asked Henry if he wanted to fish there.  Henry answered, “Poppy, I told you we can fish the next day!  I want to go to your house and drink hot chocolate.  So . . . no fish pictures this week. 

 

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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 regularly 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.

 

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Reasons for Thanks

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

When you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, do you take time to share with one another the reasons you are thankful?  We have followed this practice now for a number of years as 12-20 folks gather at our home.  Most of those people are family, but we also have some folks from church that join us too.  If someone asked why you are thankful, what would YOU reply?

 

One of my favorite Psalms (I have trouble picking one Psalm) is Psalm 103.  This wonderful Psalm about the grace and forgiveness of God seems to begin with a list of reasons for thanks.  Please look with me with me at the first five verses of this Psalm of David.

 

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

 

Do you see David’s list in these verses?  After words of praise David where reminds himself not to forget to give the Lord thanks, he shares the things for which he is thankful

 

First, David is thankful for forgiveness.  David was one of the most faithful of the Old Testament kings.  But in Psalm 32 David also describes the physical and spiritual agony of carrying guilt.  David had come to know God as the Lord who mercifully forgave him.  No wonder David is thankful for forgiveness.  It is worth noting that forgiveness is the first reason David mentions for giving thanks!

 

Next, David is thankful for healing.  This doesn’t mean that David did not ultimately die.  He did.  But, David recognized the hand of God in past healings.  Last Sunday at St. John we were asked to pray for a member’s granddaughter who was deathly ill.  On Wednesday we heard the granddaughter had been to the doctor and was better.  We are thankful for doctors and medicine . . . and we are also thankful for the healing hand of God.

 

David is next thankful to be “redeemed from the pit.”  Redemption is the act of paying for something, or buying it back.  David knows that God has redeemed him from death.  God bought David back from the grave.  God redeemed David from the pit.   (The pit is often a Biblical description of hell.)  David knows God has redemption in his future.  In fact, God’s plans for David include eternal joy in God’s presence.  Christians know this redemption ultimately comes to us through Jesus.  No wonder Peter quotes Psalm 16 on Pentecost Day as He tells the people of Jerusalem about the risen Jesus.  We might think redemption would be David’s first reason for thanks, but it is not.  Nevertheless, David adds redemption to the list of things for which he is thankful.

 

Next on David’s list of reasons for thanks is that he knows God has “crowned his life with love and compassion.”  This love David experiences is the love of God which caused Him to send His Son to save the whole world.  But, love and compassion of family and friends, and even of strangers, are also gifts from God that bless our lives.  I personally grow more and more amazed at the blessings love and compassion God has given me in family!  What a great reason for thanks!

 

Finally, David gives thanks for material things.  God satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.  In other words, by His mercy God provides good things, material blessings, that make life pleasant.  This might be food, or homes, or clothes, or whatever makes our lives pleasant as we serve the Lord.  Thank you Lord, for these gifts!

 

There are two things about David’s list that strike me personally as a child of God.  First of all, most of the gifts for which David is thankful are spiritual gifts rather than material gifts.  That fact reflects the Lord’s Prayer as well, in which Jesus teaches us to pray for spiritual gifts for His family in 6 of the petitions or requests, and to ask for material needs in only one petition.  Maybe this should teach us about our lists and our prayers to God as well.

 

In addition, every time I meditate on these words of truth from Psalm 103, I too am overwhelmed with how God has blessed me.  I want to make sure I do not forget to give Him thanks and praise.  I want to make sure that I worship Him and serve Him in all my life, because everything I have comes from Him.

 

This year I expect we will again go around the table at our Thanksgiving feast and let people share their reasons for thanks.  But, I think this year instead of just one reason, maybe we can share two reasons for thanks, a spiritual blessing and a material or physical blessing.

 

God is Good!  Thanksgiving blessings to each of you!

 

A Child of God, THANKFUL for the blessings and benefits of our Lord,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I am feeling especially thankful this year for “family”.  I am thankful for God’s family, the church.  I am thankful for my immediate and extended family.  I am blessed.    Thanks be to God!

 

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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 regularly 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.

 

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Faithfully Facing Christian Persecution

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I was listening to Christian radio recently and heard lyrics to a song that asked the question, “When did it become against the rules to speak your name out loud in school?”  So, are those lyrics exaggerating the situation in our culture today?  Well, last year while teaching Confirmation students about Christian witnessing, I asked the students in our class what happens when they told others in school that they believed in Jesus.  A couple of students said, “We’re not allowed to talk about Jesus in school.”  I suggested they probably didn’t totally understand the rules in school.  But, their perception of the rule was that Jesus is not to be mentioned.

 

Unfortunately many around the world are facing persecution of a much more violent kind.  The same day I heard that song I read a magazine article entitled, “The Deadly Sting of Persecution.”  The article recounted the shooting of 15 Christians in Egypt this past summer.  It talked about gruesome beheadings in the Middle East.  The article also told the account of a suicide bomber in a Christian church in Nigeria, and of much more persecution of people who believe in Jesus. 

 

All those events occurred across an ocean.  But, recently a troubled man shot fellow students at Umpaua Community College in Roseburg, OR.  According to reports, if students denied Christian faith they were shot in a limb.  If they confessed faith in Jesus, they were shot in the head.  That happened in America!

 

Having lived in a time when faith in Jesus and the Christian church were often at the center of our society, Christians can be shocked and amazed that such events are happening.  Many thought that persecution ended thousands of years ago.  But, such wishful thinking is in error.

 

We shouldn’t be surprised when persecution arises.  Jesus tells his disciples, “Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. . .”  (John 15:20)  And, we hear in the book of Acts how Stephen (Acts 7) and James (Acts 12) were put to death for their faith in Jesus.  Other references to the cost of following Jesus are found throughout the New Testament.

 

The early history of God’s church is full of stories of people who were tortured and martyred as they chose to remain true to God.  Then, in the Middle Ages, people like John Wycliffe, John Hus, and Martin Luther faced persecution and the threat of death for confessing Jesus.  And in 1957 an American missionary, Jim Elliot, was killed in the Amazon as he worked to bring God’s love to the Auca tribe of Ecuador.

 

So, persecution is not just a thing of the past, it is all around us in the world today.  How should Christians face trials that come as we follow Jesus?  Scripture gives some real direction.  First, remember Jesus himself. We are following one who loved us enough to die for us.  Paul wrote, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)  If we remember that Jesus died to save us, that helps us face our trials.

 

Second, we should not be surprised.  Rather, we should be prepared to struggle for the privilege to share Jesus.  Peter tells his readers to “rejoice to participate in the sufferings of Christ.” (1 Peter 4:13)  But, first, even knowing persecution is coming, Peter calls the church to be prepared, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  (1 Peter 3:15)

 

Third, we need to encourage one another.  We need to listen to, comfort, stand by, and help those who are suffering for their faith.  That is why worship and Bible classes are so important.   Paul tells the Thessalonians about preparing for the end, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

 

Finally, Jesus calls us to pray about the trials that will come our way.  We pray so that we are strong enough to endure.  We pray for each other.  We pray so that God will deliver us, in this life and eternally.  “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36)

 

Speaking about persecution of Christians might seem alarmist.  But, when persecution is actually happening all around the world, and to a lesser extent is occurring right here in our own midst, speaking about persecution is just dealing with reality.  And, when I hear a song and read two articles on the topic of Christian persecution on the same day, it is time that we consider this very real issue. 

 

A Child of God, Praying for all facing persecution because of faith 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 regularly 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.

 

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God's Call - Problem or Adventure?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

As I look out my office window and I am surrounded by a beautiful view of majestic mountains.  Lazy Mountain and Beyers’ Peak bring beauty matching any painting into my office from the right or east side of my desk.  Pioneer Peak, and also Twin Peaks, fill my office windows with beauty behind me, on the south side.  We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful setting!

 

Now, if while you were admiring the beauty of Pioneer Peak someone told you that you had to climb this mountain, how would you respond?  Pioneer Peak, after all, is almost 6400 feet in elevation.  The train depot in Palmer says that, only 10 miles away, downtown Palmer sits at only 242 feet above sea level.  That is a steep ascent!  How would you react if climbing this mountain was something you were required to do?  For those of us who are older, climbing this mountain might present a challenge.  For others who have trouble getting around, the task of climbing this mountain might seem an impossible problem.  But, for the younger and healthier among us, climbing Pioneer Peak could simply be an opportunity for some enjoyable outdoor recreation, or an even adventure.  How would you face the task before you?

 

Last week St. John celebrated our 80^th anniversary as a Christian congregation in Palmer.  God has been good to the people of this congregation over the years, and we have worked to serve the Lord.  We have sought to share the love of Jesus with our lives and our witness.  But doing God’s work and being His people in the 1930’s, and 40’s, and 50’s, is different than living as children of God today.  As our preacher for our anniversary celebration, Hunter Richards, said last Sunday, “The world around us no longer supports God’s church.”

 

So, the task before St. John, and the task before all Christian Churches, is “How do we live as God’s children, sharing God’s love, in a culture that is apathetic or even antagonistic to God’s church and His message of saving love?”

 

A big part of facing this calling from God is attitude.  Do we, on the one hand, see sharing the love of God as a challenge, or even as a problem?  Does God’s call seem too big?  Does sharing Jesus today seem too dangerous or uncomfortable? 

 

Or, on the other hand, do we see the call to share God’s love in Jesus with those around us as an opportunity to serve the one who died and rose for us?  Do we perhaps even see God’s calling as an adventure in faith?  Perhaps like St. George, we fight dragons, foes that are larger and stronger than we are.

 

After Jesus’ ministry, and his crucifixion and death and His rising, He sent His disciples into mission work.  Most Christians have memorized Matthew 28:19-20, “19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."  This is not only an overwhelming call today.  “Going and making disciples of all nations” was also overwhelming to Jesus’ followers in their day as Jesus left this world.  Imagine a small band of followers being called to make disciples of the whole world!  That is indeed a challenge!

 

But, many times when we look at Jesus’ “Great Commission” we start our consideration with the word, “go.”  So, we miss the “therefore.”  You see, before Jesus gave this “Great Commission” or this overwhelming calling, he first spoke a word of truth.  "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go . . .”  The one who lived for us and died for us and rose for us, as the Son of God, has all authority and power.  Because of his power and authority, and because of His love for all people, “therefore” he sends us.  This authority of Jesus can change how we see His calling and sending, the opportunity to serve that lies before us.  It is the all-powerful Lord of the universe who is sending us.

 

And, Jesus not only shares the truth of His power and authority before sending His disciples, He also makes a promise after His sending.  “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  The Son of God who has all authority is with us as we go baptizing and teaching so that God can use us to make disciples. 

 

St. John and many of the churches in the Mat-Su Valley have been here for 80 years, mostly in a culture that supported God’s Church.  Today the world is different.  So, now what?  The one who sent the 12 apostles still has “all authority in heaven and on earth.”  He still promises, “ . . . surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  So, we have the challenge, and the opportunity, and the adventure of living as beloved children of God and sharing His love.  Yes, this can seem an overwhelming challenge, a problem even.  But, the one with all power is with us.  Let’s accept the adventure.  Let’s go share God’s love and let Him work through us to make disciples.

 

A Child of God, Looking forward to the Adventure of Faith before us,

Pastor Jonathan

 

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P.S.  Here is a link to some pictures of the mountains around us.  https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/ValleyMountainsAndBeauty

 

 

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.

 

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