Grace, Mercy, Peace Be With You

2 Timothy 1:1-8 KJV; God grant you faith through the hearing of the Word that grace, mercy, and peace may abide in you.

Through Persecution And Suffering

2 Timothy 3:10-17 KJV; Timothy has learned through St. Paul many things including that the faithful will be persecuted. But, we will get through them with the help of God in Christ Jesus.

Willing To Take Up Our Cross?

Mark 8:34; Deny yourself; take up your cross; and follow Jesus.

Pray For Those In Authority

1 Timothy 2:1-2; Philippians 4:6-9 KJV: Pray for the authorities that we might live in peace. 

Deliver Us From Evil Works

2 Timothy 4:14-18 KJV; 20th Sunday after Pentecost; Deliver us from those who persecute for proclaiming the Good News of Jesus the Christ.

Meeting Jesus

2 Timothy 4:6-8 KJV We meet Jesus in the Word and Sacraments.

Itching Ears Lead Us Away From The Way Of Christ

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 KJV; Those itching ears lead us away from the way of Christ when in fact all Christians are called to share the word of God; to share the Good News of life and salvation through Jesus Christ. 

The Law Is Good If Used Lawfully

1 Timothy 1:5-11 KJV The law is good when it is used charitably to help others and when it is not used to gain something for ourselves.

Pray For Your Enemies

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

                              (1 Tim 2:1-4 KJV)

There are more than one reason to pray for your enemies. Since humankind tends to be a bit self-centered there among those reasons is a very good; albeit, maybe a bit selfish reason to pray for those who hate us. It is so that as they come to know the Lord Jesus, we too might live in peace rather than stuck in chaos and drama. 

Jesus said:

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

                                                                                    (Matt 5:44-45 KJV)

Life on earth is so short. Why waste it on anger and vengeance? If you are the one who persecutes others than please repent so that you might live in peace. Be kind! And, if you are the one who is persecuted pray for your persecutor to repent and to live life in Christ so that you too might live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

False Witnesses

“One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established." (Deut 19:15 NKJV)

"Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses." (1 Tim 5:19)

In spite of the many false witnesses who testified against Jesus, Herod found him to be innocent. But; because Herod worried about his own future, Jesus was crucified anyway.

Lives can be and often are destroyed by slander; by false witnesses. It has most likely been so since the beginning of time; otherwise, why would the law of Moses have insisted upon at least two witnesses? Why would Paul recommend that an accusation not be heard if there are not at least two witnesses? 

Evil abounds. Let us not contribute to evil by repaying evil with evil. May God help us to discern what is good; do what is right; do what is just; and not what is profitable for ourselves. If others act unjustly, we must remain just. 

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

                                                            (Romans 12:19-21)

May the Lord protect us and keep us. (Num 6:24) May the Lord deliver His servants from the evil one. (Matt 6:13)

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

Preach The Word In All Seasons

Monastery at Valaam, Russia

Paul is anticipating his death and so closes this letter to Timothy encouraging him to come quickly to even while he gives Timothy instruction on ministry. "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction," he writes. (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV) 

Just as the many deserted Jesus in his last hours, Paul found that many had also deserted him. He warns Timothy to especially watch out for Alexander who did him great harm. There were those and are those today who have and who will turn their ears away from truth and turn aside to myths. They will listen only to what will please their itching ears. They will come up against you for proclaiming the truth. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all duties of your ministry. (2 Tim 4:3-4)

It is not easy as one might think to proclaim the message of God in Christ Jesus. There will be many who will want you out of their lives, even dead. They do not want to hear the truth. The Word of God, is after all, a two-edged sword: one edge to stab the conscience; the other to heal the wounded soul. Be aware of those who would attack you for the truth. But, do not worry unduly about them for God is with you and for you. With patience, continue to proclaim the good news to all who would hear.

"The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all." (2 Tim 4:22)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Cannot Serve The Lord And Money

1 Timothy 6:10

 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matt 6:24

Oh, my... so many unworthy masters; false gods in the lives of those who profess to be Christians! I seem to have to warn people about false gods way too much. Over and over again over many years I have been warning people I love about the evil that comes with the love of money. I hope that this is not a season that I will be, again, reminding the same people to beware of the false gods of greed and of money and material things; for these false gods will sneak into your lives without you even knowing it. If you are not very careful, they will drag you down and pull you away from the master who truly loves you.

I am not implying that if you have a lot of money that you do not love or serve God. In fact, maybe you are one whom God has richly blessed and you use what He has given use wisely and for His glory. He is your first love, the riches are merely a tool to reach out to others, glorifying His Holy Name. Be wise; though, and understand that the pursuit of gaining money and things can quickly take over your life and in the end you may realize that it was not God (the one who blessed you) that you loved; rather, it was riches in this world.

Use the gifts that God has given use in a manner that might glorify Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trials

  

Toksovan Lutheran Church, Russia (2002)
A church, then communist meeting hall,
now a church. There is always hope for
those who persevere.

  "Paul, Silas and Timothy,
  To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

  Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.   We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

  All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels." (2 Thess 1:1-7 NIV)

  

In the face of persecution by friends, family, community; how easy it would be to just give up and follow in the ways of the world! But, for those who are confident in the Lord and in His justice, we do not give up following in the Lord's way. Our hope is in the Lord and in His promises. We know that in the end God will work all things out for the good to those who love Him and He will be glorified.

Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians begins with words of encouragement. He commends them for their perseverance and faith. They are enduring many persecutions and trials; yet, they remain faithful.

We are tried, daily, in many ways. We suffer many injustices here in this world. Yet, we know that our trials will bear fruit for the good of all of God's children. May God help us to persevere in faith 'till the day that we will see His glory in all its fullness.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Study The Word

Christ Lutheran Church Adult Sunday School

But as for you, 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 Tim 3:14-17 NIV)

We can never know everything. We can read the Holy Scriptures front to back many times and still not know it all. Therefore; we continue to study the word given to us. We continue to teach it.

When I was young, I was told that when we stop learning, we die. I have always enjoyed reading. But, as I have gotten older two things have happened. I do a lot of reading on my computer as I can enlarge the print and see it much easier. Books can be purchased and downloaded. There are also many free sites that one can go to. I usually read an online Bible for my devotions. And, when I need or want to go to the Book of Concord (Yes, I am Lutheran) I use an online one of that, as well, as I can find things much easier by doing a search in the book. 

The second thing that has happened as I have aged, is that I am more selective in my choices of reading material. While, at one time I read a lot of fiction, what I read now is mostly for learning or study purposes. There is enough fantasy in the world around me to make me not desire any more drama. Although, I have to say that I am finding a lot of what is being presented today as non-fiction to be very fictitious. I am more interested in truth and that is what I find in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore; the Holy Scriptures are what I read and study over and over again.

Every Sunday morning our adult Sunday School meets at Christ Lutheran prior to worship. It is an awesome group! We are presently studying Paul's letter to the Romans. We don't always care for some of the things that Paul's writings relay to us. We debate it. We even try to justify our own take on his words, at times. But, in the end, we usually come to the conclusion that we don't know it all. We don't understand it all. We must continue on studying the Holy Scriptures for whether we "get it" all or not these words we read are God-breathed and useful for teaching and training even us older children of God so that we may be more equipped to serve our God.

We would love to have you join us so that you with us we might all gain a better understanding of our salvation through faith in Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Elders Shine!

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (1 Tim 3:1-3 NIV)

This morning at our congregation council meeting two members will be appointed to the board. We thank God for bringing us these two new council members. Discerning who it is that God would call to these positions can be difficult at times.

No, not everyone within a congregation should be on the slate of elections as an overseer (council member, elder, etc.) of the congregation or a denomination. It is not always easy to find potential willing candidates for some of these positions of leadership; but, that does not mean that we should not be discerning in whom we choose to lead and serve our communities of faith. It is often more prudent to allow an office to go empty than to call someone whom God has not gifted and called. They must be faithful to God, willing to set aside their personal desires and ambitions in this world. Jesus comes first, always!

St. Paul outlines some basic guidelines for Timothy to use in his position as a leader of the church at Ephesus. They must be faithful to their spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, not given to drunkenness, not violent but, gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.

It is necessary for our servant leaders to be able to conduct their personal lives in a way that the light of Christ and not deeds of darkness is seen by others. We are not; after all, a social club. We are the Body of Christ. Let your light so shine! And... thanks be to God for the faithful members whom He calls to serve as council members and elders.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Prevails

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  2 Tim 4:17-19 NIV

As Christians; as followers of Jesus, our primary mission here on earth is to proclaim the Kingdom of God in Jesus the Christ. The devil doesn't care for that mission much. He will do anything and everything to thwart those attempts. He will attack individuals. He will attack congregations. He will attack entire communities and countries. But, the devil, with all of his minions, will not prevail. The Lord stands at our side and gives us strength so that through us the message might be fully proclaimed giving all people the opportunity to hear it and rejoice in the Lord our God to whom belongs all glory for ever and ever. 

The devil may attack us through many means. But, no matter what the means, the devil will not prevail. Do not fear. The Lord will rescue his children from every evil attack and bring us safely to his heavenly kingdom.

Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Pray For Our Leaders

Pray that our leaders might also desire peace among all the people they serve.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."  1 Tim 2:1-2 NIV

Just one more day before election day. Many of us have already voted. It's been a rough election year for both the candidates and the voters. It has been very divisive. There has been a lot of name-calling and bullying from both dominant parties. I have a feeling this will not stop when the election is over. But, those of us who would like to live a little more peaceful and quiet lives pray that it will.

Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, encourages to pray for all people including those in authority for, not just their sake; but, for ours as well. No matter what happens on Election Day, let us pray for all of those who are in the running so that peace may prevail and that's God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

As the elections seems to get nastier each election year, let us also pray that God would bring a sense of civility not just to the candidates; but, to all people so that we might hear a little more debate and a lot less slander that we might make more informed decisions, based on the truth and not slander or lies, in the future.

God's Peace - Pr. J

"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chron 7:14

Speak The Truth

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NIV

So here's the bottom line, to the best of my ability and with the help of God, I will not compromise the Word of God. Jesus said:  "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) I will not preach another way. I will not agree with you, in order to gain your favor or to add mere numbers to the church on earth, that there are many paths. I will not encourage the false teaching that we can be saved by anything other than faith in the one who lived and died and lives again for us; that is Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior.

If I refuse to speak to please "itching ears," I lose nothing. You lose nothing. The truth is to our benefit. But, if I acquiesce, both of us will find ourselves in danger of losing eternal life. No matter what the consequences the world might bring by pleasing God rather than man; nothing could be worse than losing our eternal souls if we chose the way of the world before His Way.

With the help of God, I will follow in The Way for I cannot live and would not choose to live without Him.

May God lead us in the way, the truth, and the life of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Home Is With You

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." Matt 14:23 NIV

It would be good, indeed, if we could obey every one of Jesus' teachings. This can be most difficult as he teaches us to love our Father in heaven above all things and our neighbor as ourselves. He teaches us to turn the other cheek. Human nature takes over and sometimes (no, often) our egos take over. We all fall short of following his teachings. We know this and daily go to him, asking our Father's forgiveness, being renewed by his promise of love and faithfulness, even in our feeble attempts to obey his teaching to love even as he loves us.

Because he loves us so much that he was willing to die for us; we love to listen to his teachings and strive to follow them even as we are reassured that the Lord is with us to guide and help us. If he was for us at Calvary, he is for us even now.

Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;
if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,
    for he cannot disown himself.

2 Tim 2:11, 13

He is faithful! Thanks be to God for He has come to make his home with us and is with us now and always, even to the end of the age!

God's Peace - Pr. J