Pilot Knob Lutheran The Look of Faith 2/15/2023
Last week we discovered the antivenom for snake bites delivering the “sting of death.” It was the brass serpent lifted up on a pole. Like the ancient Hebrews we too have been stung with the ‘sting of death’ and it leads to eternal death if ignored or with improper treatment. The antivenom for sin is nothing but the blood of Jesus as he was lifted up on a cross and paid the price for our sin – death. Galatians 3:22 Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
Like the Hebrew nation we have been given simple instructions from God on how to receive the antivenom and live forever. John 3:14-16 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Take our eyes off ourselves, the world and all that causes spiritual blindness and look in faith, trust and surrender to the one lifted up outside Jerusalem two thousand years ago and who rose from the grave three days later.
The entire Old Testament points to a time in the future when God would fulfill his promise to send a savior, the Messiah to provide salvation to anyone who looks to him in faith to forgive, removing sin forever. Once we receive his forgiveness we will never be changed with sin when we die. They have been paid in full by Jesus Christ who drowns them in the deepest ocean never to surface.
Take that, you ‘sting of death,’ you snake in the grass. Satan has been defeated and is on his way to the lake of fire, unquenchable pain and utter darkness never to rise again. Now that is good news to keep in mind, unless you have not received the antivenom.
Next week: present snakes in the grass.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 15, 11:00 Funeral for Larry Torkelson
4:30 confirmation.
February 19, 9:00 AM Morning worship. Sermon: Trans-Figured
10:15 Sunday school for all.
2:00 GriefShare. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this, encourage them to attend.
Wednesday 22, 6:30 Ash Wednesday communion service. Sermon: Rash Hashanah
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
Sermons may be heard on KIOW 107.3 FM Sunday mornings at 7:00. Spread the word. If you would like to support this outreach with a contribution, it costs $55 each week.
