Hear The Good News Of The Birth Of Our Savior

Luke 2:11-14 KJV; Rejoice and believe: Our Savior was born in the City of David.

Lift Up The Name Of Jesus

Philippians 2:9-11 KJV; 7th Sunday after Pentecost; Lift up the name of Jesus that all may hear and come to faith and glorify our Father in heaven.

Heaven And Earth Will Pass Away

Gospel according to St. Mark 13:31-33; We do not know the day when heaven and earth will pass away; but, be prepared for death to this world is inevitable.

The Holy Spirit Came

Reading from Acts 2:1-21 KJV Pentecost: the Holy Spirit fired up those disciples to share the Good News in various languages; even as the Spirit opened the ears, the hearts and minds of the people to hear, to believe, and be baptized into the Body of Christ.

One In Christ

Valaam Transfiguration Monastery

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

For the body is not one member, but many.

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

And if they were all one member, where were the body?

But now are they many members, yet but one body.

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

                                                                        (1 Cor 12:12-26 KJV)

Let all the people applaud the choir!  I have not been able to find anything in scripture that remotely tells us that we should clap our hands for anyone other than God during a worship service.  I have never understood lifting up gifts of specific individuals within a worship service for in lifting up one we neglect the others. I have never understood putting plaques on the wall in thanksgiving to the biggest givers. There is no one and there are no gifts within the Body of Christ that are more important than another.

Within the congregation the janitor is just as important as the council member. That should apply not only just within the congregation but for the world around us.  Worship is indeed enhanced by the choir - at least in most cases. What would it be like if we walked into the sanctuary and had to walk on old bulletins and candy papers; with empty coffee cups leaning up against the back of the pews? 

The pastor is not more important than the council nor the council more important than the pastor. All, every member of the Body of Christ, are needed to function properly and in unity, for the Word of God to be declared and glorified. 

We are many members. Yet, we are all one in Christ. Let us worship and serve as one that God may be glorified and not any one or group of human beings. To God alone belongs all glory!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Spit; Spoke; And The Man Heard

And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. 

                                                                                 (Mark 7:31-35 KJV)

He spit and spoke and the man was healed!

I often remind everyone that it is imperative for faith to grow that we hear the word of God. We need to attend worship and Bible studies as often as we can. If we cannot be with others because we are home bound for otherwise unavailable for whatever reason then we should read the scriptures aloud to ourselves. I have often reminded you (and myself) that: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

So last night I was in an online Bible Study with that beloved theologian Dr. James Nestingen who led the study on the lessons for this Sunday. As he read and then discussed this lesson from the Gospel of Mark, I could not help but smile as my head heard how Jesus spit and spoke and the man was healed; because as I heard those words my mind translated those words to water and the Word. I could not help but smile as it came to me that Jesus used both water and the Word to heal the deaf man. No, I'm not attempting to turn this into a comparison with Baptism or a major theological discussion. It just struck me as very interesting (even odd) that he would spit; that he would use this form of water, to bring about healing of this man. Knowing Jesus, I am pretty sure that he did not have to use any form of physical substance to heal the deaf man. He did not even need to put his fingers in the man's ears. All he had to do was say it or maybe even think it because after all the deaf man could not hear the words until after he was healed. But, he did use them for whatever his reason was. I do not know that what Jesus did and continues to do is because of his love of all people.

I have been told too many times that it is difficult to understand the Bible so they have given up trying to understand it. Some parts of it are really boring. Those genealogies can be pretty boring. But, the truth is that is that it can be very interesting and enlightening for those who have ears to hear. There will be times when you will be smiling a lot. Just consider what would you might do if you were sick and someone came along and spit before they laid their hands on you for healing. I am not sure if you'd be smiling if someone tried that. But, it's definitely worth a smile. Or, how would you react if your pastor told you to "Get behind me, Satan!" (Mark 8:33) I'm pretty sure you'd be quickly conspiring to get rid of him or her. Oh, yes, Jesus was a character. He was pretty radical in the things he said and did. I often wonder how many Christians would put up with him if he walked the earth today as he did 2000 years ago.

Do not put off hearing the Word of God. Get to worship! Join a Bible Study! If you cannot get there in person there are a lot of live resources online. Relax! Enjoy! Live life! Hear the Word of God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Faith Alone In Christ Alone

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

                                                                                 (Gal 3:3-7 KJV)

We are indeed foolish if we think that we can be saved by keeping the law for not a one of us can keep the law perfectly. There is only way to be saved. We are saved by grace through faith in the promises of God. We are saved by faith in that Jesus died for us; for our sins.

Just as Abraham was saved by his faith in the promise of God so shall we all be saved by faith. And, where exactly would we expect our faith to come from? It comes from hearing the Word of God. Faith comes from hearing the promises. How can anyone possible believe something that they have not heard? As our reading for Transfiguration Sunday reminded us; "Listen to him." (Matt 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35) Listen to him!

Rejoice, oh sinner, by faith alone in Christ alone you have been redeemed to live  in peace; to live in the presence of Almighty God for all of eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Will You Share The Good News?

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

                                                                                (Rom 10:8-13 KJV)

I have heard it said too many times that "my faith is personal." Indeed it is! 

"I do not have to go to church to worship because God is near to me in creation." Indeed He is. But, we are also members of one body in Christ. That does not mean isolate from one another. But, to gather together often to hear his word and to proclaim it ourselves. We are called to confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord. That does not come about without knowing who he is and actually knowing him. We come to do this by not just reading the Bible, but by hearing the word proclaimed.

"I don't talk about my faith because everyone has their own faith and I shouldn't force anyone to believe what I believe." Indeed they do! But, is their faith life saving faith? Do we not have so little faith that we are ashamed of sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus the Christ? Do we not love others enough to desire to see them receive the precious gift of salvation?

The Good News is for everyone. It does not matter who they; where they are from; or what they have done. All who believe that Jesus was raised from the dead for them; for us, shall be saved.

Share the Good News that others might call upon the name of the Lord and be saved!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Thy Word Is Truth

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 

                                                                                  (John 17:15-21 KJV)

On the night that Jesus was betrayed he prayed that his followers might be sanctified through the truth which comes by God's word. He prayed not just for his followers of that day; but, for all followers who would come in the many generations to come. Without ever seeing Jesus in the flesh those generations would be sanctified and united with the Father and one another by hearing the word of God; by hearing the truth. And, it is so. 

Evangelists of every sort have been proclaiming the Kingdom of God through Jesus the Christ for two thousand years and through that word proclaimed many have come to believe that Jesus died that they might live eternally in the presence of God in the Kingdom of God.

Let us continue preaching this Good News for faith comes by hearing the word of God; hearing the truth. 

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:13-17)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Seeing Is Believing?

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

                                                                                   (John 20:24-29 KJV)

It has been said that "seeing is believing." That seems to have been true for those first followers of Jesus. His disciples were locked up in a room out of fear that the authorities would come for them as well on that first day of the week. Even though the women and Peter and John had seen the empty tomb, they did not quite grasp that he had risen from the dead. Even though Jesus had told them that he would rise again they did not believe it until he appeared to them in person.

Thomas would not take the word of the other disciples who had seen him alive and well. He had to see Jesus to believe that he had risen from the dead. It is quite a story, after all!

But, the eye witness testimony of those disciples and others has been carried down through the generations for almost 2000 years and here we are believing without seeing. We come to faith by hearing the testimony of those first eye-witnesses. St. Paul in his letter to the Romans wrote: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

"... blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29b)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Your Iniquities Are Forgiven

“...Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin..”

                                                                                     (Rom 4:7-8 KJV)

And, who exactly are those whose sins are forgiven? They are those who trust that the Lord Jesus has died for their sins. They are those who in faith in the Lord Jesus have had their sins covered by his blood. It is only be faith that we are saved. 

And, how do we believe? How do we come to such faith? It is a gift of God. St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:17) Faith comes through hearing the promises of God. Faith comes through hearing what Jesus has done for us. Faith comes by hearing that because of his sacrifice for us, our sins are forgiven and that we have been reconciled to God.

Your iniquities are forgiven! Rejoice and give thanks to the One who has blessed you so richly!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sincere Milk of the Word

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:2-3 KJV) 

As of the eighth of this month, I am a great-great aunt for the first time. Saylor will, as all newborns, desire the milk that will nourish her and help her to grow. Likewise, the first letter that is attributed to St. Peter encourages newborn Christians to desire the sincere milk of the word.

It is not just newborn Christians who need take to heart this admonition; but, all Christians. So often, once we have received the love of God, we think that alone will sustain us. But, we must consider that the world is feeding us a lot of garbage, as well. In order to be nourished and to grow in Christ we must continue to drink in the milk of the word.

Do not believe every word you hear from so called "spiritual" people on the radio or television or even in your neighborhood. If what you are hearing cannot be backed up by scripture then what you are hearing is not the word that will nourish you.  

Read the word daily. Drink it in. Every Sunday morning, somewhere, in some congregation, you can hear the word read aloud. Attend worship with the fellowship of believers and hear the promises of God for you. St. Paul wrote to the Romans:  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17) 

Hear the Word of God speak to you; drink in the word; believe and know that the Lord is good.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Your Sins Are Covered

“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.” Rom 4:7-8

And, exactly whose sins are forgiven? They are those who trust that has died for their sins. They are those who, in faith in the Lord Jesus, have had their sins covered by his blood. It is only be faith that we are saved.

And, how do we believe? How do we come to such faith? It is a gift from God. St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:17) Faith comes through hearing the promises of God. Faith comes through hearing what Jesus has done for us. Faith comes by hearing that because of his sacrifice for us, our sins are forgiven and that we have been reconciled to God.

Your sins are forgiven! Rejoice and give thanks to the One who has blessed you so richly!

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Forgiven!

“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.” Rom 4:7-8

And, who exactly are those whose sins are forgiven? They are those who trust that the Lord Jesus has died for their sins. They are those who, in faith in the Lord Jesus, have had their sins covered by his blood. It is only be faith that we are saved.

And, how do we believe? How do we come to such faith? It is a gift from God. St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:17) Faith comes through hearing the promises of God. Faith comes through hearing what Jesus has done for us. Faith comes by hearing that because of his sacrifice for us, our sins are forgiven and that we have been reconciled to God.

Your iniquities are forgiven! Rejoice and give thanks to the One who has blessed you so richly!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Your Sins Are Forgiven

"Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.” Rom 4:7-8

And, who exactly are those whose sins are forgiven? They are those who trust that the Lord Jesus has died for their sins. They are those who, in faith in the Lord Jesus, have had their sins covered by his blood. It is only be faith that we are saved.

And, how do we believe? How do we come to such faith? It is a gift from God. St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:17) Faith comes through hearing the promises of God. Faith comes through hearing what Jesus has done for us. Faith comes by hearing that because of his sacrifice for us, our sins are forgiven and that we have been reconciled to God.

Your iniquities are forgiven! You have been reconciled to God our Father through the Lord, Jesus the Christ! Rejoice and give thanks to the One who has blessed you so richly!

God's Peace - Pr. J