Substitute
John 1:29 . . . “the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.” This is a reference to sacrifice. Jesus became a sacrifice for you and me, our substitute instead of each of us paying for our own sin which is impossible.
Cowardly
A passage that is often used at funerals is Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Consider
1 Samuel 12:24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
This verse which is our memory verse for Sunday comes at an interesting time. For Israel, they would no longer be judged by God’s prophets, but a king. However, Samuel was asked to pray for the people and, even though he would be replaced by a king he would continue to teach them God’s ways.
VOTE!!
When this comes in your email box there will be twenty-eight days before the election, one that will impact the direction of America and the world for generations to come. This is a very serious time for America and the world, too serious not to vote.
In The Beginning
As many of you who attend Pilot Knob Lutheran, every other Sunday we try to memorize or become familiar with a Bible verse, as Psalm 119:11 says: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Do Good
Results! We all would like to see positive and productive results from our efforts and words. Results can be difficult to see when working with people, such as a teacher or counselor. The political process can be very slow in producing results. How about gardeners and farmers who must wait months for results and sometimes suffer the effects of too little or too much rain, hail, insects, blights, mold and so on. I’m thankful they don’t give up and I know they are too.
Many Ways
Recently it was reported that a very high-profile denominational leader stated that all religions are paths to the same God. This was said to Christians living in Singapore. It’s like different religions are simply a different language talking about the same God. Really!? Can we lump all the world’s religions into one basket and say they all lead to the God who created and redeemed us? Hardly! They all have their own god and sacred writings and none of them completely agree on everything, therefore, religious doctrine will be contradicted.
Reputation
Paul writes to the Christian church located in the heart of the pagan Roman Empire, a church he did not establish or visit prior to sending his letter.
The church Paul writes to, probably not a ‘mega,’ church had a reputation that spread far and wide. What was their reputation? First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. Romans 1:8
Shalom
What is this peace the bible speaks of? Peace from conflict, peace of mind? Shalom is the fullness of life: prosperity, happiness, salvation, restoration, repair – the sum total of the Gospel.
Gracious to You
The Aaronic benediction continues with the words: and be gracious to you. Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”