St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO: 10/05/11

DEVOTION: But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20

Did I miss something?

It seems I remember how the media spent days reporting the sad antics of a Christian pastor that was going to burn the Koran.

And I also remember how they endlessly shared the story of a splinter Christian group who made an unacceptable scene at the burial of American soldiers killed overseas.

And I can recall how, when a Christian youth pastor burned phonograph records and CDs, which contained immoral lyrics, the story was carried from coast to coast.

Which is why I expected to see similar press given when the organization called Backyard Skeptics promised to tear apart copies of Bible verses they felt were immoral. According to the leader of the atheist group, the event which took place at Huntington Beach Pier in California was not designed to be offensive. They were only going to tear up copies of pages of the Bible.

That was the promise.

According to those who were there, the leader, playing to the cameras, went beyond tearing up copies of Scripture, he actually ripped a few pages out of a Bible as he made his closing statements to the crowd.

Yes, I expected to see that story being flashed over the TV and the Internet. I was sure the idea of someone tearing apart a book, especially the Bible, would be universally condemned. After all, if I took an immoral novel and tore it apart or condemned a pornographic website, I know many voices would be raised to criticize my narrow-mindedness.

So, why didn't I hear anything about this event? Two possibilities suggest themselves:

Possibility number one: I missed all the reports.

Possibility number two: The media loves to condemn and criticize Christians who take a stand more than it does atheists who do the same.

Centuries ago, Peter and John found that the religious institution and not the media wanted them to keep quiet and stop their proclamation of the crucified and risen Savior. When they were told to shut up and sit down, they replied, "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."

In our age when the foibles and failings of Christians are reported with greater enthusiasm than our witness, the apostle's reply still seems valid. Denominations, congregations and individuals all ought to confess: "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."

And what we have seen and heard is Jesus Christ -- crucified and risen.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the Savior came into this world to seek and save sinners. When He ascended, He asked me to tell His story with the lost. In spite of prejudice and persecution, help me -- like the apostles -- to speak of what we have heard and seen. This I pray in my Savior's Name. Amen.

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A CORRECTION TO YESTERDAY'S ANSWER: Who was Esther's father? (Yesterday I had said that Esther's father was dead, which he was when the book of Esther was written, but her father was alive at one time and his name is mentioned. Her father's name was Abihail, but Mordecai took her as his child when she was very young .

Thanks to Denise Schlesselmann for correcting me on this.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What is the feast of Purim? It is a special feast to celebrate the delivering of the Israelites from the plot of Haman through the wisdom of Esther and her uncle Mordecai.

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TODAY'S QUIZ: What is the last book of the Old Testament?

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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

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:

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- Tony and Sandra Perricone

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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