Are You STILL Thankful?

Dear Members and Friends of St. John, 

 

You know that the Thanksgiving Day national holiday was observed last week.  So, what are YOU thankful for?  You might be shaking your head and asking, “Pastor, isn’t that holiday past?  Shouldn’t we be focusing on something other than Thanksgiving?” 

 

The Thanksgiving holiday may be in the rear view mirror for this year, but God’s children are called to give thanks to Him at all times.  God “reminds us not to forget” thanking and praising Him, even when it is not Thanksgiving Day.  One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 103.  The first 5 verses of this Psalm from David use these words to call us to thank and praise God:

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.  (Psalm 103:1-5)

 

David must have been especially aware of God’s grace in his life when, inspired by God’s Spirit, he wrote this Psalm.  So in Psalm 103 we are called to praise God with all that we are.  We are “reminded not to forget” ALL God’s blessings in our life.  And, God, speaking through David, even gives us a list in this Psalm of reasons for thankfulness.  We can be thankful for forgiveness and for healing (v. 3), for eternal life and for spiritual blessings (v. 4), and we can be thankful for material blessings (v. 5).  God is good and gracious at all times and we, in turn, want to be thanking Him all our lives.

 

So, back to my beginning question, What ARE you thankful for?” 

 

First of all, even after a holiday with moist turkey and family gathered, I am eternally grateful for God’s grace and love in Jesus.  I am a sinner and deserve none of God’s love.  But, as I read Psalm 103 I know that my forgiveness, my salvation, and that all my blessings are given because of God’s saving grace in His Son Jesus Christ.  God’s love in His Son helps me to see and to receive all my other spiritual and physical blessings.

 

At this time I am also especially thankful for faithful doctors and modern medicine.  On Wednesday, November 22, I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee.  This was not a major knee replacement.  But I had this surgery before on my right knee and it took me from 6 months to a year to fully recover.  This time my left knee had failed worse before surgery than my right knee did before the previous surgery. However, after surgery this time, I was able to be active and out of the house each day.  I even went fishing on Monday after the Wednesday surgery (and caught a few fish).  So, I am thankful for our local hospital, and for God’s gifts in modern medicine.  I wrote the last few weeks about our culture crumbling.  But I am thankful for all who continue to faithfully serve God and who serve each of us on a daily basis with their chosen professions and jobs.  I’m thankful for doctors and nurses, for honest businessmen and for those who work hard in government offices to help others.  I’m thankful for faithful teachers, for office managers, and those picking up our trash.  God blesses us with other people in our lives who serve faithfully and honestly. And I am thankful.

 

I am thankful for the grace of God when unexpected trials happen.  This past Tuesday, November 28, five local Lutheran pastors were driving to the Kenai peninsula for an early morning meeting.  As they left Potters Marsh and were driving along Turnagain Arm they hit a patch of black ice and ended up colliding with the rock cliff across the highway.  Two pastors ended up being treated at the hospital and released, but no one received life-threatening injuries.  Today I am thankful there was no on-coming traffic, that there were faithful first responders, and that my friends and God’s servants are safe.  God is good and gracious, and I am grateful.

 

I am thankful for the grace of God seen in worship.  On Sunday, November 26, God acted in the baptism of Remington Nelsen.  What a joy to see God reach down and call a child to His eternal family! But God is present every time two or three gather in His name.  So I give thanks!

 

I’m thankful for family.  In the midst of preparing for a busy Thanksgiving Day our new son-in-law to be, Aaron Smith, put up new shelves in the little space under our stairway.  This cramped space that had stored a “pile” of stuff is now organized and accessible.  It seems like a small thing, but to a neat freak like myself, this new organization touched my heart.  Even better, is having a young man who loves our daughter, who is joining our family, and who wants to help.  God is gracious and I give thanks.

 

I have many more reasons for thanks.  I know others who have recently received good news from doctors.  I visited a young man in prison on Tuesday, and it is a blessing to see how his faith has matured.  We sadly lost a friend to death on Saturday, November 25, but this child of God knew her Lord and is with Him now.  I give thanks for each of these gifts of God.

 

Actually, giving thanks AFTER Thanksgiving Day may be even more meaningful than going around the table on Thanksgiving Day and stating reasons for thanks.  That is a worthwhile exercise, but on Thanksgiving Day thankfulness is expected.  However, we always have reason to thank our Lord.  Right now, like David my heart overflows.  Thank you, Lord!!

 

A Child of God, Overwhelmed by the Grace of God and Giving Him Thanks,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Remington Nelsen was baptized on Sunday, November 26.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/0CICLDi3VbSkCkD02

 

P.P.S.  I am thankful that the five pastors traveling to Funny River are safe after their vehicle spun out of control into the rock wall just past Potter Marsh.  Here are pictures of the vehicle.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/hczPTqCj9vrdO0IW2

 

P.P.P.S.  Here are some pictures of our daughter Mary and her fiancée, Aaron.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6WWL9gx14zlYUJKm1  Their wedding is December 30 at 2:00 p.m..  The December newsletter will include an invitation to all St. John members. Also, in this family picture, Aaron is on the right standing behind Mary.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/woHZVweoHL3QdtoT2

 

P.P.P.P.S.  (whew – That’s a lot of “PS’s”)  After arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday I got to go fishing on Monday.  Here are the two rainbow trout I kept.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Swvv0hwPjIuW7lS92

 

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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 do not 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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Building Churches on Jesus, THE Rock

Dear Members and Friends of St. John, 

 

Do you ever worry about your children, or grandchildren?  The world in which I was raised lived with the fear of nuclear war.  But, at least from my perspective as a child, it seemed that the values of our country were pretty firm.  Now, we live in a world where drugs are rampant and hurting our families, sexual harassment accusations are coming out in all sectors of our society, and citizens have valid concerns about the integrity of our government.  What kind of world will our children and grandchildren inherit?  I confess, I am more than a little concerned.

 

As I have written the last two weeks, I don’t claim to be able to change our world personally.  But, I do know the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.  Changing the world is beyond my ability, it is God’s hands.  God does promise a new heaven and a new earth after this life.  For this world, however, even though I can’t personally change the world, I can have a positive influence for good on individuals and smaller groups of people.  Two weeks ago I wrote about “Building Lives on Jesus, our Foundation.”  Last week I wrote about “Building our Homes on Jesus, the Rock.”  This week I want you to consider with me, “Building Churches on Jesus, our Rock.”

Please do not think that Christian congregations and churches are perfect.  From the very beginning of Christian history, congregations had conflicts.  (See Acts 5, 6, 15 for examples of  conflict in the early church.)  Christian congregations still have issues today.  You see, churches are God’s plan for sinners who need a savior.  But, Christian are sinners who acknowledge that they need Jesus as their savior, and churches composed of sinful people are not perfect!!

 

God, does have a plan, however, for how churches are to be built so that they are the blessing which our Lord intends for His people.  Very simply, churches are to be built on the truth of God found in Scripture, with Jesus as the center of that truth.  Consider please Ephesians 2:19-22.  “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”  So, God’s church is built on “the foundation of the apostles and prophets” - the Bible, and Jesus is the center of God’s revealed word.  It is by finding Jesus in that truth of God that Christians and Christian congregations grow.

 

I’ll add to that thought, what is also implied.  God doesn’t just intend for truthful teaching from Scripture.  He also calls for faithful living.  In Luke 11:28 Jesus tells His followers.  " . . . blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"  (See also James 1:22) 

 

Maybe I can state those points about building Christian congregations in this way.  At the end of each year of Confirmation Classes, I ask students in my class to answer questions that lead to a life plan.  I want them to consider how they will live their faith when they have grown up and moved away from home.  For many, adult life will even mean living in another town or state.  I ask them what their worship habits will be, and I encourage them toward weekly worship.  But I also give them advice on finding a Christian congregation.  I tell my classes, “Look for a church that teaches what God’s Word says, and seeks to live according to God’s Word.”

 

The point is that churches built on God’s word, churches that focus on Jesus’ saving life, death, and resurrection, churches where people are changed by the love of God, these churches can and do impact the world around us.  These churches can be a safe haven in a world of corruption.  Such churches can be places where people who have fallen away and damaged their lives can return to the Lord and grow healthy again.  Faithful churches are places that influence God’s people so that each Christian can make a difference in the lives they touch around them.

 

In a world that seems to be rapidly declining, God’s people can build their Christian congregations so that they build people up in Jesus, even as the world around us is falling apart.  I pray that St. John is faithful in working to be such a Christian congregation, “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Build God’s Church on Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  DCE INTERN – We have been assigned a DCE Intern by Concordia University Nebraska who will work with Youth and Children at St. John when Jamie leaves to be a full-time mom. 

Ethan Mirly is from Cape Girardeau County, MO.  He has worked at Concordia to receive a double major.  So in addition to his DCE Internship, he has a teaching certificate.  He is currently doing an internship at a Lutheran High School in Metro East St. Louis, teaching PE and Theology.  Ethan played baseball at school and likes the outdoors.  Ethan is looking forward to working with children and youth for our Lord at St. John. 

Pastor Rockey went to Seward, NE, November 17 to meet with Ethan and start Ethan’s relationship with St. John.  Ethan currently plans to arrive in Alaska on January 5 or 6.  Present plans are for his first day in the office to be Tuesday, January 9.  Here are some pictures of Ethan.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/FbRl5AugVUPf7NRA2

 

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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 do not 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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Building our HOMES on Jesus, our Rock

Dear Members and Friends of St. John, 

 

In my devotion last week I mentioned a comment from Bible Class where a member of the class had noted that, “The foundation of our society is crumbling.”  Some people might question that assertion.  “Really?  What do you mean society is crumbling?”  Well, on October 1 we witnessed in horror as a man in Las Vegas shot and wounded over 600 people, according to the last count I saw.  On November 6 a man entered First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, TX, and shot worshipers, killing 26.  This past week, on Tuesday, November 14, a man in California killed four people, wounding nearly a dozen, as he tried, but was prevented from, attacking a school.  That is evidence to me that our culture is changing for the worse.

 

My wife, Kathy, commented, “Obviously, something is different that all these shootings are happening.”  Please consider recent past history.  The Pledge of Allegiance was adopted by Congress in 1942, and in 1954 the words, “one nation, under God,” were added.  Is the Pledge of Allegiance even spoken in schools these days?  Our national motto found on currency is, “In God we trust.”  This motto was adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1956.  Ignoring for a moment the arguments about Church and State, these actions show that 50-60 years ago the people of the United States held dearly to faith as the foundation for their lives.  Most would say our country stood on a Judeao-Christian ethic.  But, for many reasons, today public faith is often dis-allowed or rejected.  When the soul of a nation rejects the guidance of God who created and who saved us, we should not be surprised when our culture falls apart.

 

Changing a culture so that it is once again healthy is a big job for an individual, or for a small group of individuals.  God can accomplish such a change, and He does answer prayer.  But, there are other areas where we can be more effective, and in fact, areas where we are more needed.  When our culture is falling apart, it is even more important that we build our homes and families on Jesus, our Rock.

 

Please don’t think this is a new idea.  Throughout Scripture God calls people to live their faith and to teach this faith to children.  In Proverbs 22:6, for example, God’s wisdom teaches us, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  (See also Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:18-22, Proverbs, 22:15).  Through Paul, God instructs parents, specifically fathers, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)  Throughout time God has called for homes to be built on faith in His love, and for parents to teach children about Him.

 

How can we build our homes on Jesus, our Rock?  I saw recently where the pastor of King of Kings Lutheran in Wasilla suggested, on this 500^th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, that we need to continue the Reformation, or start a new one.  I hear God saying that this Reformation, or revival even, needs to start in our homes.  The Scripture reading usually read on Reformation Sunday is John 8:31-32.  Here Jesus calls disciples of all time, saying, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  We build homes on Jesus by holding to Jesus’ teachings.

 

So, how do we hold to Jesus’ teaching in order to build our homes on Jesus?  First, we cannot just speak our faith in words.  We need to live our faith in actions.  In 1983, when I became pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, FL, I visited the homes of members.  One home I visited had two recently confirmed daughters who were not attending worship.  The dad said, “I’m not sure why they don’t attend church anymore.  I dropped them off at church every week.”  I asked him, “Did you attend yourself?”  “Well, no” he answered “But I dropped them off.”  Faith is taught best when it is “caught,”  In other words, parents need to set an example for children.  Wives and husbands need to set an example for each other.  When one roommate is regular in worship, it influences the roommate who may not have an active faith.  So, in order for parents to teach children to have Jesus as their Rock, parents need to live this reality.  Regular worship by parents teaches children the importance of God for our lives.  Regular attendance in Sunday School and Bible Class by one spouse, influences the other spouse.  We build our homes on Jesus, our Rock, when we don’t just speak our faith, but live it.  And, it is never to late to start.

 

If you read the Bible verses above, we learn that faith is spoken not just in the place of worship, but also in the home.  We hold to Jesus’ teaching when we read His word and have devotional time in our homes.  We hold to Jesus’ teaching when we pray individually and together in our homes.  When we allow the wisdom and love of God to speak to us in our homes, through His Word and prayer, this helps build our homes on Jesus.

 

Faith is not just private, either.  When our children and spouses and the members of our homes see us living our faith through lives of honesty and integrity in our community, that example teaches faith in Jesus, and builds our homes.  When our children and spouses and the members of our homes see us willing to witness to God’s love with gentle and respectful words of faith, that example also teaches faith in Jesus, and builds our homes. 

 

There is no guarantee that when we live and teach God’s law and His love that our children or spouses or others will necessarily take that faith as their own.  But, it is guaranteed that if we do not live our faith in words and actions, the members of our households are less likely to know Jesus and build their lives on Him.

 

We can debate whether or not the foundation of our society is crumbling.  But it is obvious, now more than in the recent past, that we need to build our homes on Jesus, our Rock.  The job of reforming our culture may seem too big.  But, we know that it is vital that we not only speak, but live our faith in our homes.  "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Build My Life and Home on Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  This week I have written about “Building Homes on Jesus our Rock.”  Next week I will write about “Building Churches on Jesus our Rock.”

 

P.P.S.  On Sunday, November 5, We had a baptism for Carl James Button.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Dcq8TQ02be0XNA5E3

 

P.P.P.S.  On Monday, November 13, I went ice fishing for the first time this year with grandchildren Emma and Henry.  There was a lot of movement of poles when the fish weren’t biting, and a lot of watching poles with no reaction while the fish were biting.  However, we did catch one fish.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/lrJsBkCkle2R3lTv1

 

 

 

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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 do not 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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As Culture's Foundations Crumble, We Have THE Rock!

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

Recently in Bible Class a number of people shared personal criticism and ridicule they have received for being people of faith.  Some parents shared that their children felt ridiculed by others for attending worship and church activities.  Other adults shared experiences of being questioned by fellow workers in the job place.  It is not easy to follow Jesus today.

 

Our culture is changing.  As a child most of my peers attended regular Sunday worship, as my family did.  Those who did not attend church were in the minority.  As the world changed and as fewer people attended worship regularly, there was still a respect for people who practiced their faith.  Seldom did Christians receive ridicule or criticism.  The change in today’s world caused one of the members of our class to say about what he and his family were facing, “The foundation of our society is crumbling.”

 

Our foundation is crumbling, or is it?  The values of our culture are obviously changing.  To operate with no moral compass hurts our world.  If God’s direction about idolatry, worship, government, personal well-being, sexual morality, and greed are not considered relevant, then our society will move in directions that are unhealthy and harmful. All people, Christian or not, see the deterioration of order, and the growing chaos we face today.  But, even if our world turns away from God, there is still a foundation for our lives.  There is still strength and hope for living as people of God.  Today that foundation is even more important!

 

I’m reading through the Psalms now in my regular devotional reading.  On Tuesday part of my reading was from Psalm 18, where David writes, I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  David points to God as his rock, his stronghold, his protector, or the foundation for his life. 

 

On Wednesday part of my devotional reading was Psalm 27.  "1 The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?"  When the world seems full of chaos and danger, we do not need to fear, because God guides us in this life and He is the one Who saves us eternally.

 

In the New Testament God teaches us that His Word is the foundation for Christian lives, and that Jesus is the center of that teaching.  Jesus is the cornerstone of God’s foundation for His church.  19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  (Ephesians 2:19-20, see also verse 21-22, 1 Peter 2:4-10.)  Maybe the foundations of our culture are changing, even deteriorating. But, God is still the rock on whom we build our lives here in this world.  Jesus and His death and resurrection, His forgiveness and His salvation, are the foundation for our eternity. 

 

Our culture may have changed, so other areas become more important as we seek to live as children of God and to build our children up in faith on our “rock,” Jesus.  Homes are vital.  But, faith has to be taught and it has to be lived.  Children do not just “catch” knowledge and faith in Jesus in our culture any more.  Yet, when parents teach and live their faith in Jesus, children can face the challenges of this world, and even be a witness and a blessing to others.

 

Churches are important places of strengthening God’s people and strengthening families.  So Christian congregations need to speak and live the Word of God.  And, God’s people need to be in worship and Bible Class in order to be fed and strengthened.  As society changes, God’s word continues to be the foundation of the lives of Christians.  Jesus is still the central message, the cornerstone of the message of the Word of God.

 

If you attend worship at St. John you have heard me pray before a sermon.  I use words of David which God inspired in Psalm 19 as a way to ask God to bless what happens when the pastor teaches and God’s people seek to learn and then to live the Word of God.  I pray, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)  God is our Rock and our Redeemer.  The foundations of our culture may be crumbling, but children of God have THE firm foundation for this life and for eternity.

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Build My Life and Home on Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  In the next 2 weeks I’ll write about “Building Homes on Jesus our Rock,” and “Building Churches on Jesus our Rock.”

 

P.P.S.  On Sunday, November 5, St. John recognized Sara Guhl for over 30 years of service at St. John as pianist, organist, choir director, youth worker, hike leader, National Youth Gathering Counselor, and for many other areas of service.  Here are a few pictures from that recognition.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tr0H0P5ax9qp6IU62

 

P.P.P.S.  In case you missed it, I was in Portland for a Church meeting at the end of last week.  I had lunch with St. John members, David and Cathy Grosz, who moved to Portland last month.  You remember that David was fighting cancer last spring and summer.  God is good and David is looking good.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/5TrLvPIyCTnSb1Zw1

 

 

 

 

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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 do not 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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Seeking to Trust and Follow My Savior Through Life's Trials

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

During this 500^th anniversary year of the Reformation, we have been using a Lutheran Hour video series at St. John to study about Martin Luther and the events surrounding the Reformation.  In one of the video classes, Dr. Joel Bierman, professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, points out that Luther grew from an initial concern about church practice and abuse, to a more complete understanding of God’s Word and God’s grace.  Dr. Bierman teaches in this video class that Luther was led by God’s Word to a “theology of the cross,” “the idea that the cross challenges and undoes everything that makes sense to us, everything that seems reasonable to us.”

 

Another way to state how God works, a Biblical way to consider this “theology of the cross,” is to remember that Jesus, the Son of God, suffered and died to save us.  Since the Lord Himself suffered and died, we also can expect trials and suffering.  For example, Jesus taught His disciples in John 15, “18 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:18-20 a)

 

Most Christians know these words of Jesus.  But, sometimes God’s people long for and even expect success, expect glory.  The thinking goes this way: since we are serving the Lord of the universe  wouldn’t He want to bless our effort?  Doesn’t God want us to be successful, to be well off, to show His power through blessings in our lives? 

 

That kind of thinking makes sense on a human level.  Unfortunately, we live in a sinful world. Our sin and the sin in the world around us caused Jesus to suffer and die to pay for our sins.  Our rebellion, our selfishness and greed, and those sins in the world around us bring trials and suffering to our lives.  We like the idea of success and prosperity, but that is not how God worked in Jesus’ life.  So, like Jesus, we too face troubles, suffering, tribulation, and death.

 

This past Monday we saw another evil act of terrorism, this time against our own country.  I’m sure you have heard about the terrorist attack in New York City.  All of us might ask, “Why would God allow such violence and hate?”  We don’t know all the answers to how God works. 

 

Personally, I am just finishing reading the book of Job.  Throughout this book, Job asks why there is evil and suffering in the world. He wants to know why he suffers as a child of God.  Job can’t understand why there is suffering, because Job cannot totally understand God. However, we could ask a similar question to Job’s question, “Why is there evil?”  Consider the question, “Why did Jesus come into the world and die to save us?”  After all, we have rebelled against the creator of the universe.  Even though we know Jesus’ love, we often still stray.  Yet God continues to call us to forgiveness, to eternal life through faith in Jesus. Why?

 

Thankfully, in spite of our sin God loves us and He did send His Son. In Jesus, God does not cast off sinners as unlovable, but He reaches out to all, in love, in sacrifice, and in forgiveness.  By God’s love and grace in Jesus, He works through the cross of Jesus and in the midst of the suffering we face in life to show us His love.  So, a better question than, “Why do we suffer?” is “How is God using my suffering to point to His love and bring me to Himself?”

 

We often don’t understand how God is working through the suffering and the trials of life.  But we do know, God uses the cross of Jesus to save.  We do know that we too will face trials and failures, suffering and death.  Jesus picked up His cross to save the world, so we who follow Jesus do not always find success and glory.  We often find trouble, failure, resistance, and hate as disciples of our Lord.

 

This Sunday, the first in November, we celebrate “All Saints Sunday”  We hear about God working through Jesus to make people holy by His grace, and to bring them to His kingdom.  But, all the assigned readings point to the trials of God’s people, and then point to His grace in the midst of our trials.  So, “How is God using my suffering to point to His love and bring me to Himself?”

 

In this 500^th year of the Reformation Lutherans and other Christians remember Martin Luther’s “theology of the cross.”  We did not develop this theology of the cross from our own minds.  We see how God works in Jesus, and we try to faithfully follow our Lord, even through life’s trials.

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Trust And Follow My Savior through Life’s Trials,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S. 

 

 

 

 

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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 do not 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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Thankful for Spiritual Fathers Who Pointed Me to Jesus

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

Next Tuesday, October 31, will mark the 500^th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing 95 statements for debate to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany.  Luther intended for those statements to be considered in a scholarly debate in the small eastern German university town where he taught.  Instead, “The Ninety-Five Theses” were printed and spread around Europe, beginning the historic movement we call “The Reformation.”  Many churches will celebrate the 500^th anniversary of this historic event this Sunday.

 

Luther was not just a reformer of the church.  Luther’s challenge to the authorities of his time, by appealing to the higher authority of God and His Word, makes him an important figure in Western history.  Luther’s translation of the Bible into German, the language of his people, continues to define the German language until this day.  At the end of the last millennium many lists were made of important people.  Time Life had Luther listed as the 4^th most important person of the previous 1000 years.  A&E had him listed as number 3.  Other lists considered him as equally important.

 

But, it is always dangerous to put a human being on a pedestal.  We are all weak and sinful.  We all fail.  Luther himself said and did things that continue today to point to his sinful humanity, such as his writings about Jewish people.

 

I am thankful, however, that Luther consistently pointed, not to himself, but to God, who is our only and real hope.  When brought before the representatives of the pope and before the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, in Wurms in 1521, Luther was asked to recant or withdraw his writings and his words in order to escape punishment and to save his life.  His answer points to God and to God’s Word as the source of reliable truth for the life of a child of God.

 

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. [Here I stand.  I can do no other.*]  May God help me. Amen.” (* debated words)

 

When on his death bed Luther was asked by friend and pastor, Justus Jonas, “Do you die trusting in Christ and what you have taught?”  Perhaps Luther’s answer sums up his work and his life.  Whether the words were spoken, or written, or both, is debated, but there is agreement that Luther’s last words were his answer to that question.  “Yes!  We are beggars.  This is true!”

 

Thankfully, though he was seldom quiet, Luther consistently pointed, not to himself, but to Jesus.  We are indeed all sinful beggars before our holy and almighty Creator, God.  But, God is gracious and forgives and saves us in Jesus.  So, we trust, not ourselves, but the grace of God in Jesus.

 

There are many Bible verses that state the truths which Luther taught.  One of His favorite verses was John 3:16, which he called “The Gospel in a nutshell.”  But, for me the words of Galatians 2 express our lives as children of God saved by His grace for us in Jesus.

“20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"  (Galatians 2:20-21) (See also Acts 4:10-12, 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Titus 3:3-5, 1 John 4:10, etc.)

 

There is a way in which Luther’s words on his death bed could be frightening.  “Yes!  We are beggars.  This is true!”  We don’t want to be beggars.  But, when we realize that, even though we cannot count on ourselves or on our righteousness before God, but we can be SURE that Jesus lived and died and rose for us, it is good to be a beggar!  The grace of God in Jesus is what we need  The grace of God in Jesus is all we need!

 

A Child of God, Thankful for Spiritual Fathers who Have Pointed Me to Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Yes, we do have worship at St. John this Sunday at our normal times of 8:15 and 11:00 a.m.  (I was asked.)  This Sunday is our last Sunday in our sermon series on the Reformation and we will have a visit by “Martin Luther” himself (though I am still looking for a Luther). 

ALSO, PLEASE REMEMBER our Alaska celebration of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation held Sunday afternoon at Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 N Street.

 

P.P.S.  The St. John Men’s Group – Promise Keepers, held a beginning of the school year get together at the home of Eric and Chris Wyatt.  Here are some pictures from the October 21 fellowship activity.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LjMfX35NIkX2Syal2

 

 

 

 

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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 do not 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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Praying that I Respond Faithfully to God's Goodness and Grace

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

Recently, after going to the post office, I arrived at home and started looking at that day’s mail in the presence of my wife.  I spoke out loud as I perused what we had received.  “Request for money, Request for money, Request for money, Request for money, Request for money, Request for money.  Hmmm, offer to spend.”  I had 6 letters asking for donations, and one credit card offer.  In fact, I had two requests from one place in the same day!  Does that sound familiar?

 

Actually, I’m thankful to live in a country where not all good causes are paid for by my taxes.  The government doesn’t just take all my money and dole it out to what it considers to be worthwhile causes.  We have the privilege of deciding what needs we want to help alleviate, and which ministries we want to support.  But I confess, sometimes when the mail comes I wonder.

 

Do you ever feel that way about God’s church?  Does it ever seem to you like the church is always asking for money?  As pastor I get all sorts of advice concering financial issues.  I’ve been told by more than one person, “Pastor, you don’t talk about giving enough.”  Others tell me, “You talk about money too much!”  As you can see, finances are always a sensitive topic. 

 

As I read through the Bible again in my daily devotions, a September reading from 1 Chronicles 29 really struck me.  David was gathering resources so his son, Solomon, could build a temple for the Lord.  David contributed personally to the temple project and then he gave an opportunity for others to respond.  This is part of what we are told.

 

6 Then the leaders of families, . . . gave willingly. 7 They gave . . . gold, . . . silver,  . . . bronze and . . . iron. 8 Any who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the LORD . . .

9 The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly. 10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.  (1 Chronicles 29:6-13)

 

The leaders and the people of David’s day “gave willingly” and "wholeheartedly."  David not only gave, but acknowledged that “everything in heaven and earth” is really God’s!  (v. 11)  This was one of the few moments of clarity in the history of Israel.  On this day David and the people confessed that all they had belonged to the Lord.  In faith, they responded to the God’s love and returned generously what He had given. 

 

But, even more than the surprisingly faithful giving, do you hear the praise of God by both the people and by David?  Why do you think they praised God?  Acknowledging God, rather than taking credit ourselves, is rare. And, generosity is not always a natural reaction.  So, on this day of willing generosity, David and the people praised the Lord.

 

This Sunday at St. John we have an opportunity to think about the grace and provision of God, and to consider our response.  We will consider how God provides us with all we need to live  and more - our "cup overflows.”  (Psalm 23)  We will meditate on how God is gracious to sinful people like us, in Jesus. As Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)  God’s goodness and His grace to us in Jesus does not make sense.  But God IS gracious and loving.  God’s goodness and grace call for praise, for a response.

 

I pray that all God’s people are aware of His goodness in our lives and His grace in Jesus.  I pray that we willingly and wholeheartedly want to respond and contribute to His work, both in our local congregations, and for His work around the world.

 

Let me share with you about that mail which I recently received, the letters asking for donations.  All the requests I received were from places where I had already contributed.  In fact, the ministry which sent two letters on the same day, Lutheran Hour Ministries, is one of my favorite places to give.  It seems the more we give, the more we are asked.  But, when God’s people recognize His goodness and grace and respond willingly, it is reason to praise God.

 

A Child of God, Praying that I Respond Faithfully to God’s Goodness and Grace,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Pastor Aaron Spratt was commissioned in Anchorage on Saturday, October 14, to be pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Juneau, and Missionary to SE AK for the Alaska Mission for Christ.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/zRlBQ7AXFIzu13742

 

 

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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 do not 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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