Love Does No Harm

Romans 13:9-10 KJV: Love does no harm. If we believe that why do we keep silent as others promote it. What are we teaching our children?

Teach The Children To Know The Lord

Matthew 18:1-7 KJV; 15th Sunday after Pentecost; We cause offense to the children by not teaching them of the Lord.

The Great Commission' Go And Tell

Matthew 28:16-20 KJV; Go and Tell; go and teach all that our Lord has taught you through the many generations that have come before us.

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. 

Be Transformed By Renewal Of Our Hearts And Minds

Romans 12 KJV

Buildings Fall While The Word Endures

And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 

                                                                              (Mark 13:1-2 KJV)

One of the biggest mistakes that I've witnessed in house or mission churches is the rush to have a "real" church building.  Too often it costs the mission too much. As the congregation struggles to pay for the building and all of the regular costs and upkeep the mission of the church suffers.  

The mission of the church is as Jesus told the disciples:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.                                                                            (Matt 28:19-20)

Buildings are temporary. The building that you worship in one day will be gone. 

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Pet 1:25)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Baptized For Renewal And Regeneration

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt 28:18:20

What is baptism? Is it something that we choose to do because we want to give ourselves to Jesus or is it truly a gift from God for the growth of His Church; His Kingdom? According to what the Lutheran Church as teaches from Luther's Small Catechism:

First

What is Baptism?

Answer: Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God’s command and connected with God’s Word.

Which is that word of God?

Answer: Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Second

What does Baptism give or profit?

Answer: It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are such words and promises of God?

Answer: Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Third

How can water do such great things?

Answer: It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.

Fourth

What does such baptizing with water signify?

Answer: It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?

Answer: St. Paul says Romans, chapter 6: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

                                                   http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

Baptism is not the same as taking a bath. Water alone may wash the outside of the body; but, it cannot cleanse our souls. Water with the Word received in the Sacrament of Baptism; however, washes us through and through.

I am often asked why I would baptize infants. My answer (in short, because this is just a blog) is that first we are commanded to baptize all nations; all people. That does not exclude children. Jesus said we are not to hinder the children from going to him. I have also been told that babies cannot believe so therefore they should not receive this Sacrament. Jesus also said that in order to enter into the kingdom of God we must become like little children. (Matt 18:2-3) Knowledge or intelligence does not necessarily equate with faith. Just because little children do not have the same knowledge that some adults have we should not equate that with an inability to have faith. Faith, itself, is a gift from God and is not something we muster up on our own. Many of the little children that I've known probably have more than most adults Christians as they have not yet been subjected to the doubts of this world.

Most importantly, baptism is a gift from God, for the washing and regeneration of all people and for renewing by the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. When we are baptized, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit, for regeneration and renewal. I would not presume to withhold this gift of God; His very presence, from anyone, especially a child. Would you demand that a child go through life without this gift?

My parents were not church going people. But, they saw fit to have me baptized at home at about age five. I thank God that they did this for me. I thank God that Pr. Leslie Niemi was willing to officiate at our home. I know that it is preferable that baptism take place within the church. But, I thank God that Pr. Les was not willing to withhold this Sacrament from me for any reason. I remember that day; although, it has been so long ago and details are getting a little foggy. I thank God for the regeneration by the power of the Holy Spirit that began so many years ago. I do not want to even consider where and what I would be today if it had not been for the events of that day. Thank you Pr. Les for being a servant of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

To Whom Shall We God

 

But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

                                                                                 (John 6:64-49 KJV)

Where will we go? In times of severe trouble people sometimes stay away from their places of worship. Some are embarrassed because they think that people will  know about their problems and judge them. Others might be grieving and or depressed. There are many reasons that people use to not attend worship and hear the promises of God. But, that is exactly where we need to be when things get bad. We need to go and hear the promises of God in his Word that our faith might be strengthened (Rom 10:17) and to receive the gift of Communion with our Lord, the Son of the living God, and with one another that we might be refreshed.

When things get rough do you turn away from the Lord or do you turn to him to help you in your time of need?

When Jesus gave his followers a hard teaching, the teaching that they must partake of his body and blood, many turned away. It was too much for them. But, Peter and the other apostles would not turn away. Where would they go he had asked. After all, Jesus was the Christ. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Why would you turn away for anything less?

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Empowered By The Spirit

Zeba, MI; United Methodist Camp Meeting

 

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 

                                                                                      (Act 1:4-11 KJV)

Just before he ascended into heaven Jesus informed the disciples that they would be baptized and empowered by the Holy Spirit to go out into the whole world to be witnesses of Jesus. And, so they were. And, so they did.

What do you believe you were baptized for? Baptism is a gift from God. It endows us with many gifts. In baptism we are forgiven our sins. We are born again as children of God most high. We, as the first disciples were, are anointed by the Holy Spirit and empowered to go out into the world to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Do we use that gift? Do we go out? Do we share the marvelous things that God has done and continues to do through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit?

"May God fill us with the desire to go forth '...and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.'" 

                                                                                        (Matt 28:19-20)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Gifts to Edify

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

                                                                                   (Rom 12:1-13 KJV)

We are each given gifts. These gifts are not meant to hurt or to damage one another. They are to be used in an honorable and loving way that we may build up the whole body and not tear it down. 

In this time when so many people are struggling may God help us to find ways to use these gifts to reconcile us to one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Go And Tell!

Go and Tell!

Upon arriving at the tomb, the Mary Magdalene and the other Mary encounter the angel of the Lord sitting on the stone that had been used to seal the tomb. The tomb is no longer sealed. Jesus is not there. He is risen and on his way to Galilee! The women are a bit fearful, but filled with joyful excitement, as the angel tells them to go and tell the disciples what has happened. The guards are also there. They appear to be in some sort of shock at the sight of the angel and the empty tomb.

Mary and Mary meet Jesus as they hurry to tell the disciples what they have heard and seen. “Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” (Matt 28:10 KJV) Go and tell!

The two women go and tell the disciples what they have just seen and heard. The guards go and tell the chief priests what they have seen and heard as well. The chief priests were not happy and told the guards they should lie about it. But, the first two women who were witnesses of Jesus' resurrection also went and told what they had seen and heard. 

According to the gospel of Matthew, "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt 28:16-20)

Go and tell! We all share stories of our lives, of our loves, and of our fears. What is the story you share with others? Without sharing the story of Jesus life on earth; his gift of life to us; how can disciples be made? Go and tell!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Great Commission

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt 28:18-20 KJV)

If you ask your children or grandchildren to help you with some household chore, you do not expect the reply to be "no." If your boss asks you to do something for him or her; that also would not typically require a yes or no response. They are simply being polite. Not all requests are meant to give you options. They are politely phrased commands. Now, of course, the child or the employee can say no if they choose. They can also suffer the consequences if they do. 

Likewise, we often tend to take Jesus' words "Go ye therefore..." as optional. For the Christian, they are not. They are a command. They are what is known as the "Great Commission." The words of your lips may very well lead them to baptism into the Body of Christ. 

Sharing the Good News; sharing what you know about Christ, is not optional for any Christian. It is a command from Jesus, himself. It is a command with a promise: "..and, lo, I am with you always."

God's Peace - Pr. J

Preaching and Teaching

Sing with joy about what God
in Christ Jesus has done for you.

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

                                                   (Acts 28:30-31 KJV)

I have never been a huge fan of contemporary worship. I am not against it. I just lean more toward a liturgical style and hymns rather than praise music. That being said, yesterday I worshiped with Lakeside Covenant Fellowship Church, Baraga, MI, a small congregation that uses a contemporary style of worship and found it quite worshipful! I appreciated both the music and the sermon because the entire service focused on Jesus! Does it surprise you that I'm excited about that? Well, I am. I was fed with the Word and that always is relief because I have been in services where I want to scream out, "Please, say something about Jesus, already!" 

Much of the praise music I have heard in the past has tended to talk about what we do for God rather than what God has done for us. That was not what I heard yesterday. The praise music was all about what God has done and continues to do for us. 

The sermon was a unique and captivating blend of teaching and preaching.  I have heard a lot of preachers try to blend the two into a sermon; but, very few have managed it so that it kept my attention throughout the whole sermon.  But, Rachel's skills as an elementary school teacher (gifts of God endued by the Holy Spirit) were evident as she proclaimed the Lord Jesus Christ with heart-felt enthusiasm and love. 

I am in transition right now having recently retired from the ministry and taking full advantage of being able to worship with various congregations in the area  and to hear the preaching of the kingdom of God and the teaching of those things which concern the Lord, Jesus the Christ with all confidence and boldness. So, don't be too surprised if I show up to worship with you.

May God bless us and keep us all teaching and preaching what concerns the Kingdom of God and our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Christ Alone

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

                                                                                       Col 1:28-29 NIV

You're kidding right?! There's that look I have whenever anyone lifts up their own good works. Over and over and over again I remind people, through proclamation in the pulpit and out of the pulpit, that without Christ we can do nothing to glorify God. We can do nothing to save ourselves! Our striving is useless without the energy; without the power of the Spirit of Christ that works in and through us. 

Get over it! Without Christ we are nothing.  With him we can do all things through him who strengthens us. (Phil 4:13) It is Christ who lives in us who does all things. (Gal 2:20)

It is time to give it up and trust God in Christ Jesus to lead you and be the strength that is required to follow wherever he will lead you; as the Good News is proclaimed through you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

You Go And Proclaim The Kingdom

   As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
   Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
   He said to another man, “Follow me.”
   But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
   Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
   Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
   Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

                                                                                    Luke 9:57-62 NIV

"Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go.." That sounds kind of harsh, doesn't it?  The reality is that if we are really going to follow Jesus and proclaim the Kingdom of God we will have to give up a few things in this world. 

As a minister to the people, Jesus moved around a lot. He had no home; other than his mother's home and the homes of friends. As he traveled from place to place his ministry; his preaching; his teaching, was not about clinging to things of this world. It was about proclaiming the kingdom of God. In order to follow Jesus there will be at least a few worldly things we may have to leave behind. Those things might be fancy homes or cars. Those things might not even be things; but, people. We may have to leave behind family and friends. That may because we are called to a different location than where they are at. It might also be because they turn away from those who would follow Jesus. We may suffer loss in this world as we proclaim the Kingdom of God. We will have to change our priorities as we set out to follow Jesus.

But, those losses; those sacrifices, which we might have to face have been faced by multitudes of Christians before us and who are with us now. How much time did Paul spend in prison? Prison was his home for a lot of his ministry. Jesus was a wandering preacher who gave his very life; his last breath as man, so that all who believe in him might live eternally in that Kingdom that we are called to proclaim. And, what about the Father? His Father, our Father, gave His only begotten Son to suffer and be executed on the cross as an atonement for ours sins that we might live eternally in His presence; in His Kingdom.

Following Jesus is an awesome gift; a great privilege. But, it is not about gaining things in this world. It is about the promise of eternal life in the presence of God Almighty, in His Kingdom, beginning today!

Follow in the footsteps of Jesus and live life in the presence of God! Live life most fully!

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

Go And Tell!

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
                                                                                                         Matthew 28:5-10 NIV

Upon arriving at the tomb, the two Marys encounter an angel of the Lord sitting on the stone that had been used to seal the tomb. But, now the tomb is no longer sealed. Jesus is not there. He is risen and on his way to Galilee! The women are a bit fearful, but filled with joyful excitement, as the angel tells them to go and tell the disciples what has happened. The guards are also there. They appear to be in some sort of shock at the sight of the angel and the empty tomb. 

The women meet Jesus as the hurry away to tell the disciples what they have heard and seen. "Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Go and tell!

The guards go and tell the chief priests what they have seen and heard. The chief priests respond by telling the guards to go and tell everyone that you fell asleep on guard duty and that Jesus' followers came and stole his body. The chief priests, a bit fearful of the truth that Jesus had taught would continue on and change their lives forever, wanted the truth stopped. Go and tell! Go and tell a lie!

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt 28:16-20)

Go and tell! We all share stories of our lives; of our loves; and of our fears. What is the story you share with others? Without sharing the story of Jesus life on earth; his gift of life to us; how can disciples be made? Go and tell!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mourning For The Children

"Shave your head in mourning

    for the children in whom you delight;
make yourself as bald as the vulture,
    for they will go from you into exile." (Micah 1:16 NIV)

Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, sounds an awful lot like Isaiah. He is a prophet; after all. Micah continues to warn the people of God that their ways are going to lead them into exile.

It is Advent and at the beginning of every Advent I see depression and other forms of mental illness begin to escalate. Part of that may be due to the lack of sunshine. Part of it; though, I believe is due to the holiday season which does not resemble Holy Days all that much.

As we prepare for Christmas there is a lot of frustration because people are seeking what the world seeks; rather, than seeking a relationship with the Christ, whom we celebrate. There is much financial stress as people feel pressured by society to "buy." There is also much emotional stress as many face a day (season) that is suppose to be cheerful (because the world says so) without a loved one that they have lost and miss grievously. They feel quite alone (exiled) as there is a chair at the table that is empty. There also tends to be a lot more "parties" in December and on into January. For some reason people think they can treat their loneliness and depression with alcohol (or other drugs). Alcohol, my friends, is a depressant. There is only one cure for loneliness and that, my friends is being in a healthy relationship; a relationship with God our Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ and with one another.

Advent is supposedly a time to prepare for the coming of the LORD. But, is that what we do? Or are we busy trying to keep up with the world; ending up depressed; feeling alone and exiled? For many, I am afraid it is the latter.

What are we teaching our children? Where are we leading them? Into loneliness? Depression? Exile from the relationship that God intends them to have with Him and His whole household?

I pray that it is not too late; that it is not past time, to join Micah in lamenting for our children. It is past time to start asking ourselves: What have we done? What have we left undone that would have brought them reconciliation and peace?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Afraid To Hear What The Lord Has To Say?

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." (Luke 9:23-24 NIV)

Are you one who prefers not to hear what the Lord has to say to you? Do you turn up the music and sleep with the television on rather than take the chance that God just might whisper in your ear and call you to follow Jesus?

I believe that it is the fear of hearing the truth that keeps many who claim to be Christians from gathering with brothers and sisters in Christ for worship weekly (or more often). They just may be afraid that in hearing His Word in the lessons or the preaching or even the hymns they may be called to step out beyond their own desires and follow Jesus.  

And... we all know where Jesus leads us. He leads us to the cross. He calls us to die to ourselves so that we might live in him and that he might live and reach out to others through us. There is a great possibility that if we take the time to listen to God rather than the world around us that we might just be asked to make a few changes in our lives and no one really wants to do that.

I know that I have quoted Annie Dillard from her book "Teaching a Stone to Talk" in at least a few of sermons. Well, here it is again. And, yes, maybe we should know that in hearing His Word, God will call us to a place beyond ourselves and when He does we will not be able to return to our old way of living. Yes; indeed, it takes a bit of courage to hear God's Word and actually listen to him.

"It is madness to wear straw hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping God may wake someday and take offense, or the waking God may draw us out to where we can never return." (Annie Dillard)

May God grant us the courage to listen to Him and then to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

What Is Truth?

"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work."
                                     (2 John 1:9-11 NIV)

Live in the truth! What is truth?

There are many ways to distort the truth so that it becomes a lie. Today, the "truth," who is Jesus the Christ, is often co-mingled with fables and fairy tales so that the "truth" becomes a lie. Philosophy and spiritism and all sorts of other fabrications of the mind add or subtract from the word that we have read and heard in the scriptures in order to justify our own sinful lifestyles. Stay away from these stories. Continue living in the truth. Continue living in his love.

In this second of St. John's epistles, he commends a woman chosen by God and her children for knowing and living in the truth even while he warns her to stay away from those who deny the truth. We are warned to stay away from those who do not acknowledge that Jesus the Christ has come in the flesh. Stay away. Do not let their deceitful teachings infiltrate your thoughts; your life.

May the grace, mercy and peace of God the Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ, be with you in truth and love, now and forevermore.

God's Peace - Pr. J