Dear Children of God,

Words matter! How many times a day do you hear the word “God” thrown around? Whether it’s those around us or even ourselves, this word gets used a lot. For most it’s lost its meaning. And that’s unfortunate. Because “God” should never be tossed around lightly. After all, how would you like it if your name were used as a routine exclamation … “Oh my Jim, that cake was amazing!”

For many this word also symbolizes the divine person they believe in. But even in that context, the name “God” gets used lightly. We swear to “God,” pray to “God,” and believe in “God.” And that all sounds good, but, what do we really mean when we use the word “God?” This isn’t a trivial question, because the answer has eternal impacts.

Shortly after the infamous “9/11” attacks there was a series of articles on “God” intent on getting Christians, Jews, and Muslims, people who seemed to be in eternal conflict, to come together.  The thesis seemed to be since you all have common set of scriptures (the Torah (Judaism), the Tawrat (Islam), and the Pentateuch (Christianity)) and also believe in God you’re not that far off – so get along. The problem – the paper didn’t understand the answer to “Who do you say God is?”

In Jesus’ day, one didn’t use the word “God” lightly. John Chapter 8 shows a discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees. He reminds them Abraham, the patriarch in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, would’ve been so excited to see Jesus, the fulfillment to God’s covenant promises to him! The Pharisees sarcastically wondered if Jesus knew this by talking to Abraham. Jesus doesn’t argue. He simply says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58) Then the Pharisees pick up stones to stone Jesus.

The crowd asks, “Who do you say God is?” Jesus answers, “I am.” The Pharisees remembered what God called Himself when Moses met Him in the burning bush. He called Himself “I am” (Exodus 3:13-15) – “Yahweh” in Hebrew. In this way, Jesus said, “I am God,” which to the ears of the Pharisees was blasphemy … a sin punishable by death. Jesus lets people know He is God, along with the Father, and the Holy Spirit.

So, when someone says, “I believe in God.” It’s good to ask, “What do you mean by God?” If they answer, “The Triune God … Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” they might understand who God really is. But, if they deny that Jesus … or the Holy Spirit … or the Father is God, they aren’t talking about the one true God found in Holy Scriptures. Or, if they deny the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate persons of God indicating instead God was first the Father, then appeared as the Son, and then returned as the Spirit … they aren’t talking about the one true God either.

The one true God is three persons and one God … the Holy Trinity … professed in the Creeds. It’s a mystery, but it’s true. All other God’s are simply idols, created by man due to a failure to ask the right question and/or understand the answer. Words matter!

                                                                                        In the Name of the Triune God,

                                                                                        Pastor Jim

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Today is the first day of the rest of your life” is most appropriate saying for all of us.  Each day we wake up, no it or not, God teaches.  But, this instruction isn’t the end … it’s merely the beginning.  It’s “The first day of the rest of our lives of faith.”  

Last week, Jesus prayed, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” (John 17:20) Jesus prayed for us, those He knew would come to believe in Him through the words of the original disciples and the disciples that followed.  He prayed because He knew the challenges we’d have being His disciples in the world.  To ensure His prayer would be answered, He also promised, earlier in John, “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26) And true to His Word, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, swept down upon the disciples. The Holy Spirit enabled the Apostles — fishermen, tax collectors, political activists — to clearly proclaim Christ’s saving death and resurrection to people from across the world (Acts 2:1-13). This diverse gathering heard the good news, that through Jesus Christ “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21) 

Jesus’ promised Helper, the Holy Spirit, helped the Apostles tell others from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth about Jesus’ saving life, suffering, death, and resurrection (Acts 1:8). The disciples’ faith in Jesus’ saving act on the cross was already confirmed.  But the Day of Pentecost was only the beginning for the disciples.  “Clothed with power from on high” they would never be alone as God worked through them to reach all mankind … including you and me.

And for the disciples, being saved by faith in Christ wasn’t the end of their journey. It was “the first day of the rest of their lives of faith.” They, like we are, were called to a LIFE OF FAITH. Today we are disciples, called by God to use the gifts He’s given us to tell the world about His promises.  And we don’t go alone.  The Holy Spirit goes with us.

Each day we read God's Word, He teaches us how to live our lives of faith as His children.  But, each day's instruction is only the beginning of our life of faith.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, each of us is called by our Lord to continue to grow in faith through regular participation in worship, hearing His Word, and receiving His Sacrament. Then, nourished and taught, we’re called to proclaim His Word in love to our neighbors. Jesus will return. When He does, because of His faithful disciples who lived a life of faith, He’ll find a world teeming with believers from all nations, of all races, speaking multitudes of languages … united in one faith.

                                                                                        In Christ’s Love,

                                                                                        Pastor Jim

Photo by Robin Benad on Unsplash

Dear Easter People,

“ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! …”

“Glory” … what usually comes to mind when you think of that word? Often, it’s an image of victory and achievement. One definition is “high renown or honor won by notable achievements.”[1] Growing up a Bruce Springsteen fan, the song “Glory Days” recounted the achievements of a high school baseball player among other things. With graduations in high gear now, many receive glory for their academic prowess. In short, for many in the world, glory is something that sets them apart from others … makes them a top performer, #1 in their field.

Jesus talks a lot about glory too. And His view of glory also deals with the number one. But, His view of “one” is a little different. For Jesus, glory isn’t so much about being set apart as a singularly victorious achiever. In what is often called “The High Priestly Prayer,” found in John 17, Jesus tells us glory is about the unity of the whole of creation. It’s about everyone, all mankind joining Him in becoming one with His Father, as He is one with His Father. It would be like every player in the NHL hoisting the Stanley Cup over their heads. Or … it might be like every violinist, violist, cellist, and bassist in the orchestra being the “concert master.” But that’s what Jesus desires. He says to His Father about those who believe in Him, “The glory that You have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.” (John 17:23) He gives His glory away to anyone who believes in Him so that they can be where He is, in eternal glory (John 17:24). Because of our faith in Him, we receive His glory … we become one with Him and His Father.

But Jesus gives His glory to us for a purpose. He doesn’t give it to us so we can say, “Look at me! I’m #1!” as we live our lives in the world waiting for our turn to enter into heavenly glory. Though that is a part of it, Jesus tells us that His glory is ours “… that (we) may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that (His Father) sent Him.” (John 17:23)

God the Father desires all mankind come to believe in His Son through His Word. First, He sent Jesus to tell the first disciples His Word. Then Jesus called these disciples to begin spreading the good news of the gospel, first in Jerusalem, then in Judea and Samaria, and finally throughout the world to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). From there, Jesus worked through all “who believe in (Him) through their word,” disciples through the ages, to continue spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth … including to us today.

And now we’re Jesus’ disciples. He calls on us to continue the spread of His gospel into the world. He works through us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to allow all mankind the opportunity to “believe in (Him) through (our) word” as we share His Word through our words and actions of love and compassion.

“… HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!”

                                                               In the Love of our Risen Savior,

                                                               Pastor Jim

Photo by Galina N on Unsplash

Dear Easter People,

“ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! …”

Memorial Day was established as a day of remembrance in 1868 to honor those who lost their lives in the American Civil War. Over the years, it became a nationwide day to honor all who died defending freedoms many of us take for granted, including the freedom to worship as one sees fit.

It’s fitting today that we also remember the many who gave their lives to help us receive the gift of another, more important freedom … freedom from the tyranny of sin.  God has called many brave men and women to proclaim His Word to a world living in darkness.  These prophets, apostles, and disciples risked their lives, in many cases losing those lives, for the sake of God’s Word. In fact, of Jesus’ twelve Apostles, only John died naturally.  The others were killed for the sake of His Word, giving up their lives so others could hear His Word which gives everlasting life to all who believe in the name of Jesus Christ (John 20:31). 

At the close of John’s gospel, Jesus tells Peter, one of those killed on behalf of the gospel, “’I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’  Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.” (John 21:18-19) Despite knowing the fate that awaited him, Peter boldly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ saying, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified … Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:36, 38) And 3000 souls were saved that day.  According to early Christian writers, Peter was killed for his beliefs during the Emperor Nero’s Christian persecutions in 64 A.D.

Finally, the ultimate sacrifice that makes every day of our life “Memorial Day” is the sacrifice Jesus made by giving up His life for ours in dying on the Cross. Unlike all others, the apostles who died to spread His Word, as well as veterans who died to protect the freedom to worship as we see fit, Jesus rose to new life three days later. In rising He defeated the power of sin and death which enables Peter, the other apostles, those who died in conflict believing in Jesus’ work for them, and all who’ve died in the faith to also rise to new life.

As you celebrate Memorial Day each year, take a moment to remember and honor those who’ve sacrificed their lives on our behalf.  Thank God for the countless servants who’ve sacrificed their lives to bring God’s Word of truth and life to us today … the Word that frees us from the tyranny of sin, death, and the devil through the ultimate sacrifice — the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

 “… HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!”

                                                               In the Love of our Risen Savior,

                                                               Pastor Jim

Photo by Banter Snaps on Unsplash

Dear Easter People,

“ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! …”

When I was in the Air Force, I worked in the Pentagon on the Joint Staff. I worked for a Vice Admiral (a 3-star flag officer) who made important decisions about major military projects –from weapons to facilities. As he attended meetings with other high-ranking officials, I often sat in the room to take notes and provide advice if needed … usually it wasn’t needed. One day, a crisis erupted and the Vice Admiral left the meeting as a key decision was being made. He turned to me and had me sit in his place. There I was, an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel seated with Generals, Admirals, and civilian Senior Executives. And when it came time to decide, they looked at me. My word counted as much as theirs. I was, in essence, the Admiral’s ambassador. I spoke for him, under his authority, in accordance with his desires.

St. Paul reminds us, “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) Ever since Adam and Eve fell from grace, desiring to be like God (Genesis 3:1-6) God’s been working to restore the relationship between Him and His creation, including mankind, that was torn to pieces by Adam and Eve’s sin. Because of their selfish act, all creation was put into conflict with God. But this isn’t what God desires! God created all things “good” and desires all things be in right relationship with Him. This act of restoring relationships between creation and God, and within creation, is called “reconciliation.” Reconciliation is what God’s story, found in the Bible, is all about.

Eventually, when the time was right, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ into the world (Romans 5:6) to carry out His ministry of reconciliation. Jesus paid the price of death on a cross for the sins of all mankind. Then, rising from the dead to new life, He restored the fallen creation to new life also. All who “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) But, many in the world wonder, “Who is Jesus? Where is Jesus? I don’t see Him or hear Him.” God knew these kinds of questions would come up. So …

He tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation …  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18) God’s still at work reconciling His creation to Himself. He’s working through His ambassadors … you and me. We have been given the authority to speak His Word of truth in love to the world. We do this so all who’re lost and broken, still in conflict with God, can also be reconciled to Him.

I pray we all use the many gifts God has given us – time, talent, and treasure – in proportion to what He’s blessed us with, as His ambassadors, in His ministry of reconciliation. Then one day, we’ll all stand together in the new creation dwelling with God, in His presence, as He has always intended (Revelation 21:1-7).

“… HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!”

                                                               In the Love of our Risen Savior,

                                                               Pastor Jim

Photo by Warren Wong on Unsplash

Dear Easter People,

“ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! …”

Fruits, vegetables, and greens are a major part of a good diet. We’re thankful for farmers who grow it for us. What we might not think about where the seeds that turn into produce come from. Some farmers actually produce their own seeds. They’ll sow extra seeds to ensure they have enough to grow new produce to sell … while still having enough to produce new seeds for next year’s crop.

This image comes to mind as we hear God’s Word in 2^nd Corinthians. “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2^nd Corinthians 9:6) Paul uses agricultural imagery to make a greater point about using the gifts of time, talent, and treasure He’s given His creatures, including us.

In 2^nd Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul addresses the Corinthian church in one of the first stewardship drives. Paul’s been appealing to churches around the Mediterranean to help fellow Christians, living in poverty and oppression, in Jerusalem. Some of these churches are very wealthy. Others are quite poor. Whether wealthy or poor, Paul reminds them their gifts are to be used “according to their means” (2^nd Corinthians 9:3), not only on themselves, but also “… for the ministry of this service … supplying the needs of (fellow Christians) … also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” (2^nd Corinthians 9:12) The gifts definitely help people with physical needs, but, more importantly, they’re signs of faithful worship of God. They’re a sign of thanks for past and present provision, as well as, trust in His future provision.

God still continues faithfully providing for our needs. He’s the source of all we have, not because we deserve it, but because He loves and cares for us. And we can trust His continued provision … whether through our hands or the hands of others. But He also provides so we can, in proportion to what He provides, give to others in need. Some receive more, some less … but all receive something. And God calls us to follow Him in faith by sacrificing a portion of the time, talent, and treasure He’s given us toward His mission to provide for and redeem all mankind.

Our Follow Him in Faith campaign continues with Celebration Sunday, next Sunday, May 19^th where we’ll have an opportunity to worship and give thanks to God by sacrificially committing, over a 3-year period, over-and-above our regular giving to support the growth of His mission and ministry at First Lutheran.

Paul reminds us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2^nd Corinthians 9:7) Therefore, please pray … ask God to help you discern how you might commit to giving sacrificially and cheerfully. Then act … bring your Commitment Card to worship on May 19^th as a sign of worship and trust in God’s future provision. God promises “to make all grace abound in you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2^nd Corinthians 9:8) Through us, God’s harvest will be abundant … it will be overflowing!

 “… HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!”

                                                              In the Love of our Risen Savior,

                                                              Pastor Jim

Dear Easter People,

“ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! …”

When I was in school, there was an independent studies class called “Christ in Film.” In the class, students would watch popular movies and look for gospel messages, intended or not. The class helped identify means to engage popular culture with the gospel in non-threatening ways. For example – Superman … a man with incredible powers comes to earth from the heavens to save mankind from evil. One might say Superman/Clark Kent represents, only to a point mind you, Jesus. He’s a mild-mannered reporter (Jesus was fully man … hungry, tired, weeping) and a super hero with incredible powers to save others (Jesus was fully God … miracles and His resurrection attest to that). If you found someone interested in Superman, you might be able use it as an entry point to introduce them to a real Superman … Jesus.

Jesus also used popular culture to teach. Through parables He helped people relate His teaching to things they could experience. The characters, objects, and places in His stories often represent real situations.

The Parable of the Generous Father (aka The Prodigal Son) has three main characters … the father and his two sons. It’s pretty easy to see who they represent. The father represents God the Father. The young son represents those who fall into sins of immorality … the tax collectors and sinners Jesus was talking to (Luke 15:1). The older son represents the self-righteous, holier-than-thou who think they deserve salvation … the Pharisees and scribes who’re also present (Luke 15:2). The banquet party represents the kingdom of heaven. The father welcomes the younger son, who has repented of his sin, into the banquet … in fact, he throws the banquet for his repentant son. The father also longs for his older son to repent of his sins of self-righteousness and lack of forgiveness toward his brother. But this son, at least as far as we can tell from the parable, refuses and misses the banquet.

But Jesus is also speaking to us in this parable. We’re all sinners who fall short of God’s glory, yet God the Father, on account of His Son, Jesus Christ, longs for all of us to turn away from sin, like the younger son, and come into His heavenly, eternal banquet. God our Father, generous to a fault, gives us everything we have in this world … our life, our talents and abilities, and our possessions – like he gave the youngest son his part of the inheritance without any merit of his own – to be used in accordance with His will. He hopes we’ll use these gifts generously to support the needs of His church and those who lack necessities of life. And for those times we waste the gifts … or withhold them … He comes to us and generously forgives us. Then, by the power of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grow in our generous love and support to others.

Ask God to help you follow Him in faith through the generous use of the time, talent, and treasure He has blessed you with. So that through you, many others will enter into the eternal, heavenly banquet party.

 “… HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!”

                                                  In the Love of our Risen Savior,

                                                  Pastor Jim