Pilot Knob Lutheran A Time for War 5/29/2024
We are all born with God given talents and gifts including musicians (1 Samuel 16:18, 23; 1 Chronicles 23:5, 25:7), Artisans (1 Kings 5:8-9), hunter (Genesis 25:27), Jeweler Exodus 35:33), Engraver (Exodus 35:35), Sage (1 King 4:29-34), Athlete (Judges 13-16), Songwriter (Exodus 2:48), Civil Ruler (Genesis 41:41-42, Acts 18:26, Nehemiah 5:14, Daniel 2:48), and orator (Acts 18:26). One of the gifts that may surprise you is being a skilled soldier. Psalm 144:1 Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. This is not the only place a military topic is mentioned. Consider David confronting Goliath. David was very proficient with a sling, able to kill or chase away predators. By killing Goliath who had declared war on Israel, he saved thousands of lives not to mention the triumph over evil, preventing the enslavement of God’s people and the furtherance of peace. As Ecclesiastes 3:8a says: there is a time for war and a time for peace. Rev. John P.G. Muhlenberg on January 21, 1776 delivered his sermon recounting the crisis facing America. America was founded in pursuit of religious and Civil liberties and that they were now in danger of losing those liberties. After his closing prayer, instead of following his usual custom of going off to the vestry room he began to disrobe in front of the congregation. When he finally shed his clerical robes, he stood before them in the full uniform of a military officer. He descended the pulpit, weapons in hand and marched to the back of the church, reminding his parishioners that if they did not get involved and protect their liberties, they would have no liberties left to protect. John Muhlenberg understood there was a time to fight. He and others were instrumental in helping America secure both its civil and religious liberties. Thank you, to those who gave their all so we could live in the freest country in the world. However, we must continue to stand firm for truth and liberty. Our enemy, Satan, never sleep nor retreats. May the Lord’s presence by with you. Pr. Bob Snitzer By the Way:Sunday 2, 9:00 AM Morning worship service and Holy Communion. Sermon: Don’t You Know These Things? Pt. 2. John 3:1-18GriefShare: https://www.griefshare.org/findagroupor contact Pr. Bob or Sue Reese.~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
