Love Your Neighbor

 

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matt 22:37-39 KJV)

Do no harm! And... don't stand by and watch anyone do harm to others. It was many years ago in Spain. One of the Marines had witnessed an assault on someone. He did nothing more but witness the event. He ended up in a Spanish prison for not going to the aid of the victim. When we stand by and do nothing but witness the harm being done to others are we also not sinning? 

When we strive to love as God loves we will not only do no harm; but, we will help and support them in any way that we can as we learned from the Small Catechism that Martin Luther wrote for us so that we might better understand the word of God.  

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (Matt 13:8-10)

Love is seen when we do all that we can to help our neighbors in time of need. But, we must be careful that we do not support anyone to further victimize others.  

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Mic 6:8)

And... last but not the least thought for this morning:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Cor 13:4-7 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Birth of Warriors

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

                                                                                   (Eph 6:11-13 KJV)

On November 10, 1775 the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines. Last night we celebrated the birthday with other Marines and their families. We heard the Commandant's message and observed the cake cutting ceremony. It was overall a very informal and relaxed birthday party. 

Today, even as I honor the birth of the United States Marine Corps, I thank God for the birth of another mighty warrior: Martin Luther. His battle was against false teachings prevalent in the church at the time. There remains false teachings in the church on earth today. Let down your guard and the devil sneaks the lies right back in. The battle continues; the battle against forces that would dilute or change the word of God to the harm of all whom God has called; to the harm of all who unknowingly follow false teachers and prophets.

"A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever."

                        Martin Luther

It seems that it never ends. The battles for what is right and true; the battles to release people from bondage continue to be fought on air, land, sea, as well as in the spiritual realms. May God bless the warriors who fight for right and freedom. May God bless us all with the courage to stand on the Word.

Happy Birthday! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Message Is Found In Scripture

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

                                                                             (Rom 16:17-20 KJV)

We've all heard them; those who with smooth talk teach a false gospel. Those who tell you that God will provide you with everything you want if you would only do this thing or that thing. They neglect to tell you that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus. They neglect to tell you that there is no earthly treasure that can even begin to compare with the gift of living reconciled to God; living in relationship with Jesus.

It is no different today than it was in St. Paul's day. There is one way to tell if something proclaimed to you is the truth; know the scriptures, read them and hear them. The message proclaimed to us through the prophets is found in them. The fulfillment is found in them. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises to us.

Do not let your itching ears lead you to believing smooth talkers whose aim is not to glorify God; but, to satisfy their own egos; their own bellies. This desire to have it our own way rather than according to the will of God will only cause dissension and divisions. It will cause much strife; much pain. It is neither wise nor safe to accept any doctrine that cannot be supported by scripture. Scripture supports scripture. 

Read your Bibles daily and have a blessed day; a blessed life in Jesus Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Quantum Theory: Two Kingdoms?

The Word Does Not Evolve
It Stands Forever

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.   (Heb 11:1-3 KJV) 

I have always been very intrigued by the various quantum theories. I find the possibility of two worlds existing in the same space quite riveting. However, most of what the mainstream population understands as scientific fact is merely speculation; a theory. It is only by faith in science or the scientist that we can believe many of the theories. These theories are constantly evolving. One cannot know for certain when theory becomes fact.  But, the Word of God does not change. It does not evolve as some would think. It is also by faith that we believe the Word. What word then shall we trust our lives with? The words that evolves or the One that stands forever?

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (Isa 40:8) 

The word of our God does not evolve as mankinds' way of thinking and living might evolve. It does not evolve as science evolves. I am not saying that science is a bad thing. Knowledge is a gift from God and the knowledge that comes through science has helped us to grow in many ways. In fact, the reason that quantum theories intrigues me so much is because my faith leads me to believe that two worlds do indeed exist in the same space. There is this world which I can see with my eyes; that I can touch. But, there is also the Kingdom of heaven that has broken into this world at the death of our Lord Jesus. I cannot see it; although, I can get a glimpse of it in the loving acts of people around me. I know, by faith alone, that the Kingdom of God has come near. I live in the world; yet, I am a citizen of another. I am an heir and  a citizen of the Kingdom of God. By faith, this is my reality. 

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:20-21 KJV) 

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21 NASB)

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17:20-21 NRSV) 

Martin Luther taught and wrote in the Small Catechism regarding the second petition of the Lord's Prayer:

Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also. 

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

I know that many atheists insist that we believe in a God far above the clouds; however, they are wrong. We believe in a God that is present here among us even today. His Kingdom has come and it will come in its fullness when Christ comes again in full glory.

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matt 24:30-31 KJV)

The Word tells us that the elect will be collected from one end of heaven to the other. It does not say from one end of earth to the other. Those who are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven (Kingdom of God) will be collected. Are you a citizen of that Kingdom?

There are two kingdoms (two worlds?). Those who believe that Jesus died so that we might live in our Father's house, reconciled to Him are citizens of that kingdom. We live in this world; but, we are not of this world. By faith alone we have inherited a kingdom of peace in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Evil Is Good?

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 97:10 NIV)

It's hard to hate evil when you don't know what evil is. The world has turned what is evil into something good and many, many listen to the world rather than God. Even many who claim to be Christians have not heard his truth. They do not know him and they do not hear his voice. They hear only the voice of the world calling them to accept what is evil as not evil.

You may not hear the audible voice of God speaking to you. But, those who love the Lord will hear the Word will hear within themselves what is sin and what is not. Those who love the Lord will read and hear the word found in the Holy Scriptures: Long ago, the prophet Isaiah warned us:

Woe to those who call evil good

  and good evil,
who put darkness for light
  and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
  and sweet for bitter.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
  and clever in their own sight.
                    (Isaiah 5:20-21)

If you love the Lord, you will hear his voice and you will know what he calls you to. He has shown us all what that is according to the prophet Micah:  

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

  And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy

  and to walk humbly with your God.
                                              (Micah 6:8)

Acting justly toward all people, being merciful and walking humbly with God are good things. Living life in this way will help us to not be quite so prone to calling what is evil good.

It is important to know what is sin and what is good. According to Martin Luther: "For from the error of not knowing, or understanding, what sin is, there necessarily arises another error, that people cannot know or understand what grace is."

If you truly love your neighbor, our God, and even yourself, then please understand that evil; that sin, will lead you and the world down a path that will lead to destruction. We may not destroy someone with our own hands when we call evil good; but, by calling it good we are promoting the destruction of others and of society as a whole.

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 97:10) 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Saved By Grace Through Faith

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith."  (Rom 1:16-17 NRSV)

Today, as many of us celebrate the "Reformation," we remember the words of scripture that were Martin Luther's "ah ha" moment; that were his epiphany. These life-giving words, "The one who is righteous will live by faith," changed the life of Martin Luther and they changed the church. Through these life-giving words, people finally came to understand that there were no good works that they could do to wipe out their sinful pasts. They could not purchase their own salvation with their good works nor could they purchase it with any amount of money. 

Not a one of us is better than the next one. We are all sinners. Yet, there is one without sin. There is one who could and has purchased our salvation. Jesus purchased it for us and for all who believe when he willingly shed his innocent blood on the cross for our sins. He was and is our sacrifice. Through his blood we are washed clean. Through him we have been declared innocent. In him and only in him is found our righteousness. 

"But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus."  (Rom 3:21-26)

Rejoice! The gospel is the very power of God for salvation! We are not saved by anything that we can or do not do. We are not saved by our wealth or our status or any power of our own. We are saved by God's grace alone through faith alone in the one who gave himself for us.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast." (Eph 2:8-9)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Works Follow Faith

   What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

   But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

   Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

    As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

                                                                                    (James 1:14-19, 26 NIV)

 

Martin Luther had a bit of a problem with James. Given the state of the church that he belonged to, it was not unreasonable for him to worry that some might misunderstand James to say that we need faith plus works for salvation. After all, it was a time when people thought that if they gave the church enough money (a good work) they would be saved. This is definitely not the case. There are no good works that we can attempt to do that will save us. The only good work that can save us is the work that Jesus completed on the cross for us. We are saved by faith in Christ alone!

However, if we truly believe that he died for our salvation, we will love him. We will love him as he loved us. He will love us so much that his love in us will overflow as service to others.  Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me." "Yes," Peter responded three times. Jesus said simply: “'Feed my lambs.' 'Take care of my sheep.' 'Feed my sheep.''' (John 21)

We are not saved by our works. But, we will work to care for his sheep if we truly love the one who gave himself for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Continue In What You Have Learned From Scripture

2 Timothy 3

Paul tells Timothy that "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV) When I was a young Christian I had a hard time figuring out what this meant. As a much older and hopefully a bit wiser Christian, I now have a better idea. It can be quite a challenge, at times, to live in a society where God is placed on the bottom of the list of his children's priorities, if He's even on that list all. It's difficult to be surrounded by so many people who are in love with themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to the parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2 Timothy 3:2-5) Paul's not talking here about unbelievers. He's talking about those who profess to believe in God. He's talking about some of the Christians at Ephesus. Paul says simply, "Have nothing to do with such people." (2 Timothy 3:5) That can be pretty difficult as some of those who would teach and believe such lies are our friends, our neighbors, and often our own family. That, sadly, is a reality.

We live in an age when many who profess to be Christians have heard and believe many false teachings. There are those who profess to be Christian who do not actually believe that Jesus rose from the dead; that He is God. There are those who believe and teach that everyone is saved and that Jesus is not the only way, quite contrary to his word. These denials of the faith must be refuted to protect those who are being led astray by those who would worm their way into homes and gain control over the gullible. We must also pray for those who have been led astray by those who teach and preach to advance their own agendas.

So, what can we do? We can get to know God's word and loving will for us and for all people. Paul encouraged Timothy and the church at Ephesus to "Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

We cannot confront lies unless we know the truth. Be diligent, then, in hearing and studying the Word of God found in the Holy Scriptures so that you might live your life in Christ. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fake News And False Witness (Conspiracy Theories?)

Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Ex 20:16)

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully lie, betray, slander, nor defame our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything. (Luther's Small Catechism)

I come from a family of storytellers. Though, he rarely spent time with his grandchildren, I understand that my paternal grandfather could tell some pretty good stories when he was with his friends. My Uncle Leonard was a great storyteller. He told us many bedtime stories in hopes that we would fall asleep. The one I remember most is how he captured a field mouse, taught it to speak, and sold it to Ed Sullivan. Some of you might remember that little mouse, Topo Gigo, that starred on the Ed Sullivan Show. The story went on and on over many visits. Each time he told the story, he added more to it. As a child, I believed him. Then there was my father's cousin, Frans Sillanpaa, the first Finnish author to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Yes, I come from a family of storytellers and I am pretty good at being able to discern between fiction and the truth. But...not always. There are just way too many opinions, theories, and conspiracy theories running around to have the time to pick through what is truth and what is fiction. Life is really too short to get caught up in all of that.  

The mainstream media presents a lot of opinions; without basis in any facts, as truth. It's what's called fake news. It appears; though, that there is a whole other side to this fake news. That other side is all of those conspiracy theories that are being thrust upon us. Some of them actually seem like they might have some validity to them. Others do not. The latest conspiracy theory and the one that prompted today's blog is one I saw on Facebook this morning. The theory is that Finland does not actually exist. Finland is a lie created by Russia and Japan to aid in Japan's fishing industry. Hmmm.... Yeah.... Major storytelling.... Oi Vey! 

When such outlandish stories are put out there; it is pretty difficult to accept any of the conspiracy theories we read or hear about. We just want to dismiss them all even if some might end up being truth. Why not just tell the truth based on real facts all of the time or at least most of the time!? And... who comes up with these stories anyway? It crossed my mind this morning that it might just be the CIA in order to keep us from believing anything conspiracy theories about them. Okay... I am just joking. There is no basis in fact to that statement. None whatsoever. Do not perpetuate that story!

I understand that there can be some big money to be made in storytelling; in fake news. These fictional stories; fake news, can also thrust someone into the limelight and help swell the ego mighty large and some people really do enjoy being the center of attention.

Many of these stories are being the told under the guise of bringing truth to light; to protect us from further harm; even to bring about peace in the world. But, lies and the purposeful slander of others are definitely not the way anyone is going to find peace. Live life in the present and live it without fear. Do not be creating fake news to protect yourself or to make gains for yourself. Live life in the truth, who is Jesus the Christ.

Have a blessed day and maybe turn off the news for at least a day or two. Live life in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Holy Is His Name

The Lord's Prayer

The First Petition.

Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean?--Answer.
God's name is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may become holy among us also.

How is this done?--Answer.
When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of God also lead holy lives in accordance with it. To this end help us, dear Father in heaven. But he that teaches and lives otherwise than God's Word teaches profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, Heavenly Father.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

His name is holy. It was so revered by the Israelites that they would not even speak it.

His name is holy and those who worship Him and profess His Holy Name pray and strive to ensure that nothing unholy is done among us that would cheapen and profane His Name.

"Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."  Psalm 27:12

God's Peace - Pr. J

Holy Spirit Sanctifies; Makes Us Holy

The Third Article.

Of Sanctification.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; one holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?--Answer.
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.

  http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

 

It is by God the Father that we are created. It is by the life giving sacrifice of God the Son that we have been saved. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are sanctified. In the past I have been warned that it might be best not to use the word sanctify as many would not understand what the word means. Sanctify mean to be made holy. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. Jesus died for our salvation. He died that we might be reconciled to God our Father. This is good news. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that this truth is revealed and preached. It is not by our own reason or strength; but, by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to receive this good news as our own truth.

 

May God grant that the eyes, ears, and hearts of the world be open to hear and receive the truth, who is Jesus the Christ, that we might be made holy by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J