DEVOTION: (From Lutheran Hour Ministries, but my sentiments exactly.)
(Jesus said) "And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" Luke 18:7-8
You will note that the Lord Jesus didn't ask if He would find church buildings when He returns.
Nor did He ask if He would find pastors or a Lutheran Laymen's League or the LWML or even a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or a Lutheran Church-Canada. He asked, "Will I find faith on earth when I return?"
Years ago when I first read those words, I thought Jesus' question was rhetorical, that is, because the answer was so obvious, nobody had to reply.
Now I'm not so sure.
Recent surveys of clergy and laity have led me to believe Jesus was quite serious. A Barna survey says more and more Christians are creating their own brand of faith. Their personal opinion -- and not God's Word -- has become the final judge in what is to be believed. If an individual likes a doctrine, he will keep it; if he doesn't, that article of faith is thrown out the window.
All too often the end result looks nothing like the saving faith that is revealed in the Bible.
But I said there were surveys.
Another survey has found that a majority of pastors believe the importance of identifying with a denomination is going to diminish over the next 10 years. That survey didn't entirely surprise me -- not when I've seen congregations taking down their crosses lest they offend, not when the Bible is being censored to make it more acceptable.
I wonder, maybe Jesus was serious when He asked if He would "find faith on earth?"
All of this is just my way of saying, I'm proud to be part of a denomination which, in spite of its numerous flaws and failings, strives to remain faithful to Word and Sacrament. I give thanks for Lutheran Hour Ministries which preaches a changeless Christ to a changing world.
Yes, I know such Bible-based preaching, this pointing to the Christ who was crucified and has risen, is not always popular and it certainly can offend.
In spite of that I prefer to share God's Word and offend a fellow sinner, rather than please a sinner and let down my Savior.
What is more, I give thanks to the Lord I have a Synod and an organization and a congregation that share that preference. I am thankful that our living institutions still preach a changeless -- a caring Christ -- to a changing world.
If we continue to do so, by God's grace and the Holy Spirit's power, the Son of Man will find faith when He comes back to earth.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, no matter what others may do, may I and my house cling to the cross and be found standing before the empty tomb. May we remain faithful and let our lights shine with those You have saved and to those who are lost. This I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Esther's father? Her father was dead, but Mordecai took her as his child. (A trick question!!)
Molly Hendershot is our new champion!!
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(Jesus said) "And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" Luke 18:7-8
You will note that the Lord Jesus didn't ask if He would find church buildings when He returns.
Nor did He ask if He would find pastors or a Lutheran Laymen's League or the LWML or even a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or a Lutheran Church-Canada. He asked, "Will I find faith on earth when I return?"
Years ago when I first read those words, I thought Jesus' question was rhetorical, that is, because the answer was so obvious, nobody had to reply.
Now I'm not so sure.
Recent surveys of clergy and laity have led me to believe Jesus was quite serious. A Barna survey says more and more Christians are creating their own brand of faith. Their personal opinion -- and not God's Word -- has become the final judge in what is to be believed. If an individual likes a doctrine, he will keep it; if he doesn't, that article of faith is thrown out the window.
All too often the end result looks nothing like the saving faith that is revealed in the Bible.
But I said there were surveys.
Another survey has found that a majority of pastors believe the importance of identifying with a denomination is going to diminish over the next 10 years. That survey didn't entirely surprise me -- not when I've seen congregations taking down their crosses lest they offend, not when the Bible is being censored to make it more acceptable.
I wonder, maybe Jesus was serious when He asked if He would "find faith on earth?"
All of this is just my way of saying, I'm proud to be part of a denomination which, in spite of its numerous flaws and failings, strives to remain faithful to Word and Sacrament. I give thanks for Lutheran Hour Ministries which preaches a changeless Christ to a changing world.
Yes, I know such Bible-based preaching, this pointing to the Christ who was crucified and has risen, is not always popular and it certainly can offend.
In spite of that I prefer to share God's Word and offend a fellow sinner, rather than please a sinner and let down my Savior.
What is more, I give thanks to the Lord I have a Synod and an organization and a congregation that share that preference. I am thankful that our living institutions still preach a changeless -- a caring Christ -- to a changing world.
If we continue to do so, by God's grace and the Holy Spirit's power, the Son of Man will find faith when He comes back to earth.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, no matter what others may do, may I and my house cling to the cross and be found standing before the empty tomb. May we remain faithful and let our lights shine with those You have saved and to those who are lost. This I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Esther's father? Her father was dead, but Mordecai took her as his child. (A trick question!!)
Molly Hendershot is our new champion!!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: What is the feast of Purim?
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CATECHISM QUIZ:
Question: When do we sin against the third commandment?
Answer: We sin against the third commandment when we despise preaching and the Word of God.
Question # 2: How is this done?
Answer #2" Let's see if anyone takes the time to look it up!
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CHURCH CALENDAR
Tues- Quilters 9-2; no Bible study
Wed- bell choir 6:30; choir 7:30
Thurs- Joneburg nursing home worship 10:30; Alzheimers support group 1pm
Fri- nothing
Sat- CHURCH WORK DAY 8am; worship 5pm
Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30; Elder's meeting 11:30
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NEWS:
Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30; Elder's meeting 11:30
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NEWS:
CHURCH WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY
There are several things that need fixing and other things that need to be done. Come to church at 8am on Saturday ready to work. We will probably work till noon.
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CHILDREN'S CHIMES/BELLS
Mrs. Siebold would like to know if there are any 5-8 graders that are interested in playing chimes in our youth chime choir. Please call her to let her know you are interested and what day and time works best for you for practice. 636-745-8107
She tried to have practice on Saturday afternoon but no one showed up.
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I NEED SOMEONE FOR THIS SATURDAY TO DO THE PROJECTOR!!! SIGN UP SIGN UP SIGN UP!!!!!!
October
8-
15-
30-
19-
24- (Thanksgiving Day)
27-
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PRAYERS: (If I have missed anyone please let me know.)
For MARIANNE LINKE who is recovering slowly.
For RUTH CANTRELL who is hospitalized with nausea and dehydration due to complication with cancer.
For PATTY SWEET'S BROTHER who is starting a grueling regimen of chemo and radiation to fight his cancer.
For LIL WINTER who is home and recovering well! She will have to have another minor procedure next week.
For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH who has begun chemotherapy treatments.
For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who continues to be up and down because of chemotherapy treatments.
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