Our Hope Is In The Lord

Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV: Our hope lies in the Lord for He will make us to be fruitful.

By Grace Through Faith

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph 2:8-9 KJV)

I don't seem to be able to say it enough!  We are not saved because we consider ourselves good or that we've done so much good in the world because we aren't so good.  None of is declared righteous by our own merit. None of us are that good. We are saved only by the grace of God through faith in the one who lived and died and lives again for us. If we could be saved by our own righteous then Christ has died in vain!

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Gal 2:16, 20-21)

We ought to love one another. We ought to help and support others! In fact, we are commanded to do it. But, do not think that these good works will save you. Your salvation is purely a gift from God. It is not of your own doing.

Lord, God, open the ears, hearts and minds of all people that they might comprehend and receive your grace and your love through faith  in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

By Grace Through Faith In Christ

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

                                                                                       (Gal 2:16-21 KJV)

Forgiveness of sin is a free gift from God. It was given to us through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus the Christ. So, if you have any notion that just because you think you are a good person; just because you think your good works outweighs your sin; think again... We are all sinners forgiven by God's grace alone.

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Rom 3:10)

"And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God." (Luke 18:19)

Christians live; they love God as Christ loves them. It is the abiding presence of Christ in us that loves and through us it is he would does good works. Without Christ we would be lost. Without Christ any good works would be worthless. Without Christ it is we who live in vain.

Do not frustrate the grace of God. He has sent his only begotten Son to die that we might receive forgiveness of sins and so that we might live life in his eternal presence; in his kingdom. If we could, which we can't, do enough good works to earn these things by our good works, Christ has died in vain. For those who live by faith he did not die for nothing. 

We live life by faith in the Son of God who loves us and gave himself for us.

Please think again if you think somehow we have earned God's grace; that we have earned life in his presence! We have eternal life by God's grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do Not Be Deceived

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

                                                                                 (Eph 5:6-14 KJV)

These are troubling times. It can be difficult to discern the truth. So much of what we hear is coming from political or personal agendas and bias'. It is true in the world at large; but, it is also true in way too much of the church. People promote themselves. They make money from distorting or exaggerating the truth; sometimes from outright lies. Those who live as though these lies are truth find themselves confused as they live in the darkness.  It is difficult to find your way when the darkness surrounds you. 

But, a light has come into the world. The light who is Jesus the Christ sheds light onto a dark world. His light shines into our lives. If you really want to be "woke" you will need to step into the marvelous light of Christ.  Wake up and live life in Christ! 

The light of Christ; the truth in Christ unite us. It will bring us together in loving fellowship. Leave off; stay away from those who would deceive others to their own advantage with their vain words. Step out of the darkness of deceit and walk in the light of Christ that you might know the truth and live an abundant life.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Swearing: Using God's Name In Vain

 

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7 KJV)

"The Second Commandment.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.

What does this mean?-

-Answer.

We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks."

                                               (http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

I confess that every now and then my lips will release a word or maybe two or three that should not be spoken. I am very aware that I have sinned as soon as something slips out of my mouth that ought not to have.

It is troubling though, that so many do not even seem to recognize when they have taken God's name in vain. I know many love Him; but, for some reason they don't always recognize when they are speaking against Him. Sometimes, it needs to be brought to their attention.

Yes, sometimes I find myself asking others not to be swearing. No, I do not always ignore it when people take God's name in vain; when they blaspheme His Holy Name. I will ask them to please not take my God's name in vain; to not blaspheme against my God. I usually stress "my God" in attempts to make it clear that because of their language they have made it evident to me and others who might be around us that He is not their God; that they do not worship Him. If He were their God, they would not be using His name in such a manner and so very often.

There have been times when I've been in discussions (usually with younger people) and I've gotten responses like "OMG" or "Oh My G_ _!" (Father, forgive me for even writing it as an example.) My response to that is usually "I am not your God" and I walk away.

I find the language today atrocious. There is very little respect for one another and definitely not for God in many conversations. His name is thrown around like it was something cheap and disposable. It is even called upon when used to bully others; to persecute them.

I have also been known to use the phrase "speak with integrity" on rare occasions. Admittedly, the lies have to be pretty bad before I do that. Sometimes you have to let people know that if they want me others to understand what exactly is going on they will have to get their stories straight. Sometimes stories get so twisted, in order to justify one's own actions, that it can be difficult to glean the truth from the tale. This lack of truth-telling also blasphemes the Name of God when the one who is speaking claims to bear the name of Christ.

His Name is above all names and it is eternal. It ought not be used in rampages meant to hurt others or to justify our own sinful ways. It can and should be called upon for the healing of the nations. Use it wisely. 

May the Lord our God bless the words of our lips that we might glorify His Holy Name in all that we say and think and do.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Good News Of The Kingdom

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 

                                                                                   (Mark 1:14-15 KJV)

The Good News; the Gospel, that Jesus preached is the Kingdom of God! 

There was a time when I asked people (particularly pastors) what they thought the  Gospel was. I heard a lot of different answers. Mostly they were things like: love, joy, peace...  No one, that I recall, answered the question with what Jesus preached: the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God does indeed include love, joy, peace, and many other much desired states of being. But, outside of the Kingdom of God, we search for these things in vain. 

The Christian lives in this material world. But, the Christian is also a resident of the Kingdom of God. God does reign in both of these kingdoms. He is the after all the Creator and Lord of all things. The Kingdom of God is often portrayed as something that will come to us in the future. But, Jesus said it is near to us. It is not of this material world so it is not seen by the naked eye.

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)

It is unfortunate that so many Christians live solely for the world and for the time after death or when Jesus returns in a manner that the whole world will see with their eyes. It is unfortunate because they do not recognize that with the death of Christ the Kingdom of God has already broken into this world. We are heirs and citizens of that Kingdom and live even now in the presence of God. 

St. Paul wrote to the Colossians:  "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Col 1:12-14)

Translated us into the Kingdom is past tense. It has already been accomplished. It is done. The Kingdom of God is ours today as well as in the future. 

The Kingdom of God is indeed peace, love, and joy and much more. It is all of those things because we who were not God's children are now God's children and live in His eternal presence even now. I often wonder how it is that if we choose the kingdom of the world over the presence of of God in His Kingdom today why we would even want to live in His Kingdom after death. I also think that maybe it is that we profess to be Christians because ultimately we are afraid of death. So, maybe we should consider if the reason we might profess our faith is because of the fear of dying or because we actually love God.

As Christians, we live in both kingdoms. God ordained it to be that way. He reigns in both. In the kingdom of the world we will continue to strive after things that really don't matter much. But, in the Kingdom of God we can find joy and peace and love because in that Kingdom we can know God's presence even today.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Who Shall Feed Us?

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. (Prov 28:19 KJV)

Last night as I was considering how so many people seem to be complaining these days about having to work in order to eat; in order to have shelter; in order to do just about anything; I wondered what it might be like if no one worked. What if every farmer decided to stop farming? Who would grow food? Would those who do not want to or like to work actually grow there own food? Or, would putting a shovel or hoe to the ground be too much work? What if every truck driver quit delivering our goods to the store or to our door? What if every grocer decided running a store was way to much work and quit? 

St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." (2 Thess 3:10) This is not to say that those who can work should not help provide for those who really can't work. According to St. James: "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:15-17)

Someone has to work in order for each of us to be provided for. Those someone's are everyone who is able to work.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Col 3:23-24)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Lord's Or The World's Way?

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

                                                                                   (Colossians 2:6-9 KJV)

I have heard often that the government tells us something is good for us and years later I hear that it is not. Some things we are told are bad and later we find out that they are actually good for us.

There are lots of stories about how certain things are good for you and others  things are okay for you to participate in. Some of these stories are akin to fake news. What seems good to the world is not necessarily good. Sometimes those things which are purported to be good are really just out there so someone can make a name for themselves; profit from it; or even justify their own sinful natures.

The voices from the world around us recommending what is good and what is bad come from many directions. They often contradict each other or themselves at a later date. Fortunately, we live in a country where we can make most of the choices for ourselves. It is imperative that as we are being told what is good for us by the world, that we listen to the word of God so that we do not end up doing that which is contrary to the word of God and hurting ourselves and others.

We do have the word of God! Listen to him! As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him!

Gift thanks for we have received a great gift! Give thanks for life in Christ!  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

For your own sake and the sake of others, live in him! Live in His Way!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Shine Like A Star To Glorify God

Shine Like Stars In The World

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16 NRSV)

Personally, I am very tired of arguing. I'm too old and have much better things to do; like proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Arguing is unproductive and a major waste of time that could be spent gathering instead of separating. 

Reasonable debating is another thing. Sitting down with someone and actually discussing something can be very productive. But, when you don't win the "argument" to then go around and murmur (gossip) about the person you disagree with is definitely not only non-productive, it is not Christ like. 

We are to shine like stars in the world, not to be like the world. The race we are to run is not against others. It is for others. We proclaim the Good News with all the fervor that the Spirit of Christ provides us with so that others might also hear and believe.

It is not about glorifying ourselves. It is not about us winning the race against others. It is about trusting the Holy Spirit to help us to run the race and let the light of Christ shine in and through us for the sake of others, to the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Confess Your Own Sins

Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. (Luke 6:41-42 NRSV)

One of my former confirmation classes really got hung up on the commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain." Sure they knew that they shouldn't actually use God's name to curse anyone or anything.  But, they really didn't realize how often they actually did it by the use of various slang words to replace the name of Jesus and how often they used that infamous f.... word in conjunction with the name of Jesus or how often they damned others in the name of God.

These young people were also friends. They hung out with each other not just at the church; but, at school and after school, as well. They decided they should start policing each other's vocabulary. They began coming back to me; letting me know how others in the group had sinned by using God's name wrongly.  

It was all in fun at first; but, then it got so bad that I finally had to tell them: "You do not get to confess your neighbor's sins. You only get to confess your own." 

We only get to confess our own. Unless we are called as a witness for something or have to report a crime that's been committed or about to be committed, in addition to not taking the Lord's name in vain, we do not get to confess the sins of others. We do not get to gossip. 

One means of "evangelism" that particularly bothers me is when "christians" use examples of what other people do and what they should not be doing as examples of what is not the Christian life. It is done with this reverse maneuver in an attempt to get them to understand what is an acceptable Christian life-style and how this life-style is beneficial. This sort of evangelism, where the sins of others are confessed, is not sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God for you. It is the preaching of morality. Our good works and our supposed morality will not save us. Only Jesus saves.

Confessing the sins of others to make ourselves look better than them will not save us. Plucking at the speck in our neighbor's eye will not remove the log in our own. Plucking at the speck in our neighbor's eye only reveals to the world, the log in our own. If you are willing to share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ then share the Good News. Do not point out to everyone, their sins. Share the Good  News and let the Spirit of God do the rest.

We are not to be pointing out the speck in the eyes of others; it is probably only a reflection of the log in our own eyes, anyway. This is something all Christians might want to consider before they open their mouths to proclaim anything other than the Kingdom of God for you and for all who believe through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Morality does not save us; only Jesus saves.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Glorify His Name

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.  (Exodus 20:7 NIV)  

I confess that every now and then my lips will release a word or maybe two or three or even that should not be spoken. I am very aware that I have sinned as soon as something slips out of my mouth that ought not to have.

It is troubling; though, that it seems many do not even begin to recognize when they have taken God's name in vain. I know many love Him; but, for some reason they don't always recognize when they are speaking against Him. Sometimes, it needs to be brought to their attention.  

Yes, sometimes I find myself asking others not to be swearing. No, I do not always ignore it when people take God's name in vain; when they blaspheme His Holy Name. I will ask them to please not take my God's name in vain; to not blaspheme against my God. I usually stress "my God" in attempts to make it clear that they because of their language have made it evident to me and others who might be around us that He is not their God. They blaspheme Him; rather, than worship Him. If He were their God, they would not be using His name in such a manner.

There have been times I've been in discussions (usually with younger family members) and I've received the response with much attitude: OMG or Oh My God! (Father, forgive me for even writing it as an example.) My response to that is usually "I am not your God" and I walk away. 

I find the language today if often disrespectful toward God and toward each other. There is very little respect for one another and definitely not for God in many conversations. His name is thrown around like it was something cheap and disposable. It is even used in conversations to bully others; to persecute them.

Now and then I find myself reminding people that they are to "speak with integrity." Yes, that is when I question the honesty of their conversations. Admittedly, the lies have to be pretty bad before I do that. I have let people know that if they want me to understand what exactly is going on they will have to get their stories straight. Sometimes stories get so twisted, in order to justify one's own actions, that it can be difficult to glean the truth from the tales. This lack of truth-telling also blasphemes the Name of God when it is one who claims to bear the name of Christ that is speaking.

His Name is above all names and it is eternal. It ought not be used in rampages meant to hurt others or to justify our own sinful ways. It can and should be called upon for the healing of the nations. Use it wisely. May the Lord our God bless the words of our lips that we might glorify His Holy Name in all that we say and think and do.

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Swearing!

The Second Commandment.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.

What does this mean?--Answer.
We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

(http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

I confess that every now and then my lips will release a word or maybe two or three that should not be spoken. I am very aware that I have sinned as soon as something slips out of my mouth that ought not to have.

It is troubling; though, that it seems that there are so many who do not even recognize when they have taken God's name in vain. I am pretty sure that they love Him; but, for some reason they don't always recognize when they are speaking against Him. Sometimes, it needs to be brought to their attention.  

Yes, sometimes I find myself asking others not to be swearing. No, I do not always ignore it when people take God's name in vain; when they blaspheme His Holy Name. I will ask them to please not take my God's name in vain; to not blaspheme against my God. I usually stress "my God" in attempts to make it clear that because of their language they have made it evident to me and others who might have heard that He is not their God; that they do not worship Him. If He were their God, they would not be using His name in such a manner.

There have been times I've been in discussions (usually with younger family members) and I've gotten responses like OMG or Oh My God! (Father, forgive me for even writing it as an example.) My response to that is usually "I am not your God" and I walk away. To use this phrase so lightly or in anger or frustration with someone is to take God's holy name in vain.

I find the language today atrocious. There is very little respect for one another and definitely not for God in many conversations. His name is thrown around like it was something cheap and disposable. It is even used in conversations to bully others; to persecute them.

I have also been known to use the phrase "speak with integrity" on rare occasions. Admittedly, the lies have to be pretty bad before I do that. I have let people know that if they want me to understand what exactly is going on they will have to get their stories straight. Sometimes stories get so twisted, in order to justify one's own actions, that it can be difficult to glean the truth from the tale. This lack of truth-telling also blasphemes the Name of God when it is one who claims to bear the name of Christ that is speaking.

His Name is above all names and it is eternal. It ought not be used in rampages meant to hurt others or to justify our own sinful ways. It can and should be called upon for the healing of the nations. Use it wisely. May the Lord our God bless the words of our lips that we might glorify His Holy Name in all that we say and think and do.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do Not Insult The Spirit Of Grace

Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three

witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:28-31

It astounds me how anyone who knows about God would blaspheme His name with words too unimaginable to mention here. The Spirit of God is a Spirit of grace. God wants only good for all people. Yet, many will never accept Him; many will never get to know this Spirit of grace. They may know about Him; but, they refuse to get to know Him. 

Personally, I am really tired of hearing God's name taken in vain. I am really tired of hearing such horribly vulgar language. But, it doesn't matter that I am offended. It is a grave matter, though, to offend and fall into the hands of the living God. To use our Lord, Jesus the Christ's name in conjunction with such vulgarity is really asking for trouble to be brought upon one's self. Does no one really understand that it is not a good thing to blaspheme the Lord's name? It is a very dangerous thing! "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Ex 20:7

Let us pray for all who would treat the Lord as nothing; even less than nothing.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Value Others Above Yourself

Youth Choir at Zion Lutheran, Skanee sing to

help children in need at the Toys for Tots Concert.

According to their calendar, this year's concert at Zion is on Sun, Oct 30 at 2 pm.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

The world around us just seems to work a whole lot better when we look out for each other. We are not to be considering our own desires before the very real needs of others. They, in turn, ought to be looking to support us in our needs. Some call it is karma. Others might say that they have each others back. Others, still, call it love. Love is truly the summation of the law and the prophets. Without this loving concern for the welfare of others the world is in chaos. Look around you. Is your world filled with loving concern for others or filled with dissension because everyone is putting their selfish ambitions before the love of God and neighbor?

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matt 7:12

May God fill your life with caring neighbors even as He empowers you to be a good neighbor.

God's Peace - Pr. J