Concordia Publishing House Releases Ebook Edition of the Lutheran Service Book

If you've ever wanted the hymnal on your ebook or ipad, or even your phone, here's your chance!!! 


 
 
 
Concordia Publishing House Releases Ebook Edition of the Lutheran Service Book
Saint Louis, MO
 
From Sunday worship to the office or during travels around the world, it is easier than ever to take the hymnal with you wherever you go. Concordia Publishing House is pleased to announce that Lutheran Service Book is now available for Kindle and Apple ereaders.
"Lutheran Service Book isn't just for Sunday mornings," said Dr. Bruce G. Kintz, President and CEO of CPH. "It is a rich compilation of the very best Christ-centered psalms, hymns, prayers, and more. This ebook edition makes it easy to use any day of the week, wherever you may be."
The Lutheran Service Book, Ebook Edition contains all of the contents of the printed Pew Edition with the convenience of your tablet or ebook reader. Features include:
  • Five Divine Services
  • Morning Prayer
  • Evening Prayer
  • Matins
  • Vespers
  • Luther's Small Catechism
  • 636 hymns, songs, and canticles
Additionally, the ebook edition provides links to each hymn in the table of contents and indexes, as well as links back to the table of contents from each hymn for easy navigation. The lectionaries provide internet links for each Bible reference.
Order Lutheran Service Book, Ebook Edition now at Amazon.com or iTunes. To learn more, visit cph.org/ehymnal or contact Lindsey Martie, CPH Public Relations, by phone at 314-268-1303, or by email at Lindsey.Martie@cph.org.   
About Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For 145 years, CPH has provided individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 8,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.

 

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

DEVOTION:  Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty one, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.  Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.  Psalm 29:1
 
When something good happens in your life to whom do you give credit?  When something bad happens in your life or in the life of someone you love who do you blame?  
 
We like to blame God, or at least ask the question "Why is God allowing this to happen?"  But do we really ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name? 
 
Here's a list of things for which to give God glory this morning:
You woke up
You're breathing
You had the opportunity to have breakfast
You had a car to drive to work
You had a job
You have a family
You have a church
You have a church family that loves you
You have a home
You have nice clothes to wear
The sun is shining
The birds are singing
There is clean air to breathe
There is clean water to drink
ETC.
This list is endless

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS JESUS!!!!!  If all the rest of the above list was taken away, you would still have Jesus!  And in the end he is all you will have and all you will need!  He will take you from this life to life eternal.  He will take you to perfect peace! 
 
So instead of blaming God every time something goes wrong when it is really your fault or the fault of sin in the world, ascribe to him the glory due his name!  He is above and beyond all other needs.  He is really our first and foremost and only need!  Rejoice in that today!  Worship him in the splendor of his holiness!!
 
Prayer: Lord God, make me to give you the glory today!  Amen.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:     What was Luke's regular day job? a doctor/physician
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:  How did Herod die after he failed to give glory to God in the book of Acts?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR: 
Sat- Vendor Fair/Tailgate Sale/ Luncheon 7am-2pm;Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- John Pezold; 11- Sophie Tinnin
Ushers-  8:30- Scott and Alex Heitgerd and Bob and Tom Linke

Altar- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean up- Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Charlie Figura; 8:30- Jim Rahn; 11- Dave Winter

Greeters- 8:30- Don and Wanda Turnure; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Tim Linke  11- Randy Sweet
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Pianist- Barb Dreyer
Projectionists: No projectionists this weekend
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS: 
 
TAILGATE SALE/VENDOR FAIR/ BAKE SALE/LUNCHEON IS THIS SATURDAY FROM 7am-2pm!!!!
There are still plenty of spaces available both inside and outside!!
Vendor booths inside are $25 a space
Tailgate Spaces are $10 for two parking spots
A Space under the pavilion is available for $20 or the whole pavilion for $75!
 
Call the church office to reserve your space!! 456-2888
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
QUILT RAFFLE
The quilt is hanging in the church basement and will be awarded to some lucky person at 1pm on Saturday, May 2!!  You may purchase tickets from a quilter or from the church office.  Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5!! 
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOOD LIST IS ALL FILLED UP!
Thank you to all who signed up to donate food for this very worthy event!  Please bring your items as close to May 6 as possible for maximum freshness!! 
 
AND DON'T FORGET TO SHOW UP AT 6:30am on MAY 7 FOR OUR PRAYER BREAKFAST!!!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
MORE ALTAR GUILD MEMBERS AND LAY READERS NEEDED!!!
There is a need for some more ALTAR GUILD members especially cleaning up after the late service on communion Sundays
 
There is also a need for some more LAY READERS for all of our services but especially the Saturday service and  11am service on Sunday.
 
If you feel as though you could help your congregation in either of these ways, please reply to this email and we'll give you any training you need and put you on the schedule! 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PASTOR IS BIKING ACROSS MISSOURI JUNE 21-26!
As much as I need to get in shape, this is more to raise money for www.leadachild.org.   If you'd like to donate to this most worthy cause, go to the website, click on the donate button, find the space that says "Lead a Child Bible club, enter your amount and enter my name.  Then you can pay by check, e-check, or credit/debit card.
 
Thank you for your support!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALLING ALL BAKERS!!!
If you have never been involved in one of our church activities (and even if you have), here is a new challenge for you!!  There will be a cake/dessert booth at the carnival on September 12!  The carnival will be open from 11am until dusk!  Donations of baked good and workers to man the booth will be needed!!  Desserts needing refrigeration cannot be accepted.  Work shifts will be for two hours beginning at 10am and will go till closing time.  To eliminate many, many phone calls, a sign up sheet has been placed on the narthex where you can volunteer!! 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
LITTLE LAMBS IS ENROLLING NOW FOR THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR!!
Only a few spaces left!  Get those registrations in today!!  Get your registration forms from the preschool or from the church office.
 
__________________________________________________________________________________________
DID YOU HAVE FUN WITH THE TRAVELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP AT THEIR LAST EVENT? 
Well the next trip is already in the works!  They will be taking a trip to Rocheport and Arrow Rock, MO on August 22!!  They will have dinner at the J. Huston Tavern in Arrow Rock and then enjoy the play "Driving Miss Daisy" at the Lyceum Theater.  Cost will be determined by number of people going.  It should run between $60 and $70 per person.  Sign up soon as there seems to be a lot of interest. 
_______________________________________________________________________________________
STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS YOU!!
Stephen Ministry Leadership Training will be held April 12-18, 2015 in St. Louis at a hotel near the airport.  If anyone is interested in being part of this ministry, and wants more details, call Joanne Hachtel, 636-745-8711.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET NEEDS TO GET FILLED UP!!!  We have no one signed up till May 16!!  Please sign up!
Apr. 26- Gary and Joanna Hoelscher
May 3-  Rich and Lois Boeger
May 10- Ava Campbell w/ help from Gary and Teresa Scott
May 17-
May 24-
May 31-
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ST. JOHN'S YELLOW PAGES
If you didn't get your business card in this month's newsletter get them in to the office for the April newsletter!! This advertising is free to members.  Many times members call and ask if there are members who are in a certain business or profession.  People would always rather do business with fellow church members when they can.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD?  ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop. 
________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE!!!!  OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2015!!!
We are looking for ideas for carnival games and also donations of carnival game prizes for the vent.  Please donate prizes into the cardboard box in the narthex.  Also, if any one has an idea for a carnival game, or a game itself they would like to donate please contact Joanna Hoelscher at 636-485-0635 or Karla Christophene at 314-397-1375.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:

For JOHN HACHTEL as he recovers from a very minor "mini" stroke.  He is at home, doing well, and is not having any symptoms.

 

For LIL WINTER as she recovers from having part of her colon removed due to infection.

 

For MOLLY HENDERSHOT who is recovering at Delmar Gardens after falling and breaking her leg right below the hip socket.  .

 

For JANE KESSEL (Freddie's wife) who is hospitalized with possible after a fall.  She is hospitalized because of continued shortness of breath.

 

For CAROL KOHRS who is recovering at home from an infection.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE who is home from the hospital recovering from chemo treatment.  

 

For DAVE KOHRS who has stopped receiving chemo treatments and has placed himself on hospice care.

 

For BONNIE FRENZIA who is spending some time in Delmar Gardens for rehab.


For OUR CONGREGATION AS WE SLOWLY MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR BUILDING PROGRAM!!

 

For OUR DCE INTERN, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord moves a congregation in need of her abilities to call her into full time DCE ministry.

 

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, as she continues to recover from several strokes and seizures.
 
For WILMA WEIGLE as she is having a lot of difficulty with congestion and possible pneumonia. .

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .
  


 


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Two new programs from MO rides: Carpool and Driving Retirement

Below is a news release from Deanna Dothage who is the Mobility coordinator for the Boonslick Regoinal Planning Commission.

 

CARPOOL
Boonslick Regional Planning Commission is pleased to announce the MO RIDES Carpool Program. Visit MO RIDES website, www.morides.org/carpool. MO RIDES serves Franklin, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Charles and Warren Counties.
To utilize the carpool service, a person will need to provide us with their information to be matched with other carpoolers. When MO RIDES finds a match with similar starting points and destinations, the rider/driver will be contacted for permission to be connected with the other potential carpooler(s). Register with MO RIDES for FREE carpool service by completing your carpool profile either online or by filling in our carpool form. You will then be included in a data base pending a match with another carpooler. You do not have to own a car to participate. We will strive to find non drivers rides with owner/drivers, as well as owner/drivers with owner/drivers.
If you do not have access to MO RIDES website, you may email ddothage@boonslick.org or call 636-359-4656 and a form will be provided for you to complete. You will also need to Mail a RECORD CHECK that you obtain from the Sheriff's Department in the county of your residence to Deana Tucker Dothage, MO RIDES, PO Box 429, Warrenton, MO 63383.
 
DRIVING RETIREMENT
Click on the DRIVING RETIREMENT LINK www.morides.org/driving-retirement/ This new page provides information to consider when one must retire from driving. Most people adapt well to driving retirement and are satisfied with their decision within months of stopping, especially if they have planned ahead for the change. Make MO RIDES a part of your plan.
This mobility management program is funded by: New Freedom Grant (FTA-5317) from the Missouri Department of Transportation
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council under provisions of PL 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
Submitted by,
Deana Tucker Dothage, Mobility Coordinator
Boonslick Regional Planning Commission

National Day of Prayer Flyer for sharing!

Attached is a flyer for the National Day of Prayer to share with all of your friends, ne4ighbors and family!!   Remember it is next Thursday beginning with breakfast at 6:30am and worship at 7am!!
 
Thanks for spreading the word!!
 
Peace,
Sandy

From Linda Callies re: Vendor's Fair




Would you please forward this message to your mailing list.

Attention Ladies Aid members:  Please remember to bring your desserts for the luncheon on Friday or very early on Sat. so we can prepare the individual servings.

Congregation:  As in previous years we are asking for food donations to the bake table for the Vendor's Fair.  Cookies should be packed on a disposable plate in servings of 6 or 12.  The money we earn goes to local, state, national & international missions.  Please help us to do our share for these worth causes.

We thank all who have participated over the years.  We couldn't do it without your help.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

DEVOTION:  How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord, my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.  Psalm 94:1
 
Have you ever noticed how beautiful and big our church sanctuary is?  The big huge cross towers over the wonderful altar that so often holds Christ's body and blood.  The beautiful stained glass windows let in just enough light to show God's glory and power.  Even the pews and their cushions welcome weary souls to come and listen to God's sweet word of grace and rest. 
 
When we gather together there is even more beauty to behold.  As our choir sings sweet melodies and harmonies we carried up to heaven for just a moment as their voices join the angels and saints in heaven.  Then the congregation joins together to sing great hymns full of God's Word in praise back to Him for what he has done for us.  Our ears are filled with God's Word both of law to chastise us for our sins and healing Gospel to fill our souls with rest in God's grace.  Then we get to go up to the altar to receive nothing less than the real and true body and blood of Christ, but even on the way up we pass the baptismal font to remind us that we are washed and cleansed in and through it by the water and the Word.  As we hear the benediction we are reminded that the God who loves us is always with us and will never leave us or forsake us. 
 
I could go on and on.  The question I constantly have is why would anyone want to keep himself or herself from such beauty, wonder and majesty?  Why would someone choose another hour of sleep over true rest in God's Word and sacraments?  Could it be that the sin in that person's life is having its way with him or her?  Could it be that the world is pulling the wool over people's eyes and telling them that what the world has is more beautiful and enticing than what God Almighty has for them?  Say it ain't so.  Yet it is.  And people are falling for it hook, line, and sinker.  There's nothing that makes me more sad and discouraged than when people are neglecting worship.
 
Every time I go upstairs to the sanctuary I have to pause for just a moment, because I am always brought to the realization that I am in God's courts, in his dwelling place.  I am truly brought to the realization that I am in his midst! 
 
My prayer is that if you are neglecting God's holy house,  you will realize what you are missing and get back into it.  That you will put all the other stuff aside and take time to come into the real presence of Almighty God!  Give up your selfishness, your bitterness, your tiredness, your busyness, your schedules, and everything else that is hindering you and come into the presence of God once again that he may refresh you and give you the grace you need to make it through your life. 
 
Let us pray:  Lord, make us to come into your courts with thanksgiving and praise so that you may fill us with what we need.  Amen.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:     What was Thomas also called? (Hint: It's not the doubter or Doubting Thomas)  Didymus (or the Twin)  Good job Dianne and Sandy!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:  What was Luke's regular day job?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR: 
Tues- Quilting 9-2; NO Bible study
Wed- Praise band practice 5:30; Choir practice 7
Sat- Vendor Fair/Tailgate Sale/ Luncheon 7am-2pm;Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- John Pezold; 11- Sophie Tinnin
Ushers-  8:30- Scott and Alex Heitgerd and Bob and Tom Linke

Altar- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean up- Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Charlie Figura; 8:30- Jim Rahn; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Wanda Turnure; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Tim Linke  11- Randy Sweet
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Pianist- Barb Dreyer
Projectionists: No projectionists this weekend
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS: 
 
TAILGATE SALE/VENDOR FAIR/ BAKE SALE/LUNCHEON IS THIS SATURDAY FROM 7am-2pm!!!!
There are still plenty of spaces available both inside and outside!!
Vendor booths inside are $25 a space
Tailgate Spaces are $10 for two parking spots
A Space under the pavilion is available for $20 or the whole pavilion for $75!
 
Call the church office to reserve your space!! 456-2888
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
QUILT RAFFLE
The quilt is hanging in the church basement and will be awarded to some lucky person at 1pm on Saturday, May 2!!  You may purchase tickets from a quilter or from the church office.  Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5!! 
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOOD LIST IS ALL FILLED UP!
Thank you to all who signed up to donate food for this very worthy event!  Please bring your items as close to May 6 as possible for maximum freshness!! 
 
AND DON'T FORGET TO SHOW UP AT 6:30am on MAY 7 FOR OUR PRAYER BREAKFAST!!!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
MORE ALTAR GUILD MEMBERS AND LAY READERS NEEDED!!!
There is a need for some more ALTAR GUILD members especially cleaning up after the late service on communion Sundays
 
There is also a need for some more LAY READERS for all of our services but especially the Saturday service and  11am service on Sunday.
 
If you feel as though you could help your congregation in either of these ways, please reply to this email and we'll give you any training you need and put you on the schedule! 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PASTOR IS BIKING ACROSS MISSOURI JUNE 21-26!
As much as I need to get in shape, this is more to raise money for www.leadachild.org.   If you'd like to donate to this most worthy cause, go to the website, click on the donate button, find the space that says "Lead a Child Bible club, enter your amount and enter my name.  Then you can pay by check, e-check, or credit/debit card.
 
Thank you for your support!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALLING ALL BAKERS!!!
If you have never been involved in one of our church activities (and even if you have), here is a new challenge for you!!  There will be a cake/dessert booth at the carnival on September 12!  The carnival will be open from 11am until dusk!  Donations of baked good and workers to man the booth will be needed!!  Desserts needing refrigeration cannot be accepted.  Work shifts will be for two hours beginning at 10am and will go till closing time.  To eliminate many, many phone calls, a sign up sheet has been placed on the narthex where you can volunteer!! 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
LITTLE LAMBS IS ENROLLING NOW FOR THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR!!
Only a few spaces left!  Get those registrations in today!!  Get your registration forms from the preschool or from the church office.
 
__________________________________________________________________________________________
DID YOU HAVE FUN WITH THE TRAVELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP AT THEIR LAST EVENT? 
Well the next trip is already in the works!  They will be taking a trip to Rocheport and Arrow Rock, MO on August 22!!  They will have dinner at the J. Huston Tavern in Arrow Rock and then enjoy the play "Driving Miss Daisy" at the Lyceum Theater.  Cost will be determined by number of people going.  It should run between $60 and $70 per person.  Sign up soon as there seems to be a lot of interest. 
_______________________________________________________________________________________
STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS YOU!!
Stephen Ministry Leadership Training will be held April 12-18, 2015 in St. Louis at a hotel near the airport.  If anyone is interested in being part of this ministry, and wants more details, call Joanne Hachtel, 636-745-8711.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET NEEDS TO GET FILLED UP!!!  We have no one signed up till May 16!!  Please sign up!
Apr. 26- Gary and Joanna Hoelscher
May 3-  Rich and Lois Boeger
May 10- Ava Campbell w/ help from Gary and Teresa Scott
May 17-
May 24-
May 31-
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ST. JOHN'S YELLOW PAGES
If you didn't get your business card in this month's newsletter get them in to the office for the April newsletter!! This advertising is free to members.  Many times members call and ask if there are members who are in a certain business or profession.  People would always rather do business with fellow church members when they can.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD?  ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop. 
________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE!!!!  OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2015!!!
We are looking for ideas for carnival games and also donations of carnival game prizes for the vent.  Please donate prizes into the cardboard box in the narthex.  Also, if any one has an idea for a carnival game, or a game itself they would like to donate please contact Joanna Hoelscher at 636-485-0635 or Karla Christophene at 314-397-1375.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:

For JOHN HACHTEL as he recovers from a very minor "mini" stroke.  He is at home, doing well, and is not having any symptoms.

 

For LIL WINTER as she recovers from having part of her colon removed due to infection.

 

For MOLLY HENDERSHOT who is recovering at Delmar Gardens after falling and breaking her leg right below the hip socket.  .

 

For JANE KESSEL (Freddie's wife) who is hospitalized with possible after a fall.  She is hospitalized because of continued shortness of breath.

 

For CAROL KOHRS who is recovering at home from an infection.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE who is home from the hospital recovering from chemo treatment.  

 

For DAVE KOHRS who has stopped receiving chemo treatments and has placed himself on hospice care.

 

For BONNIE FRENZIA who is spending some time in Delmar Gardens for rehab.


For OUR CONGREGATION AS WE SLOWLY MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR BUILDING PROGRAM!!

 

For OUR DCE INTERN, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord moves a congregation in need of her abilities to call her into full time DCE ministry.

 

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, as she continues to recover from several strokes and seizures.
 
For WILMA WEIGLE as she is having a lot of difficulty with congestion and possible pneumonia. .

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .
  


 


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From John Hachtel: A TIA (Mini-stroke) Update

Joanne drove me to St Joseph West Saturday morning after I sat down at the computer to write minutes of a meeting at church a week ago.  The next thing  I remember Joanne came in and told her I am confused.  At that time I could not remember what I was going to do at the computer and had problems recalling what we did yesterday.  After we were at the hospital, about an hour or so, everything came back.
I was released from the hospital at 11:15 this morning. They did an EEG test today and an Echo-cardiogram.  Saturday afternoon I had a CAT scan, and a chest X-ray.  Yesterday a MRI.  All test looked good.  Now they put a small EKG monitor on your chest (with all the wires).  It monitors you heart 24 hours a day, with the results constantly sent wirelessly to a separate room were people constantly review the data. In short they ran all the test they could possibly do.  So now I'm will take a baby aspirin every day, and a generic Atorvastatin (Lipitor) for cholesterol. Actually my cholesterol is good (180) but the bad was 97.  All the test results indicates it was a TIA.  I have no restrictions.  
All of the people at St Joe's West were wonderful.
 

Joanne and I plan to play couples golf tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers.
 
John

Monday, April 27, 2015

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). 

 

"Commitment and Calluses" 
April 27, 2015  
Daily Devotions Aged Hands with Bible 7-6-13For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though, some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:3-7
My brother Tom, a highly intelligent inventor and part-time philosopher, has called the modern cell phone the "Swiss Army knife of technology."

By that he means it can do a little bit of everything. It can give you directions, show you the weather, send pictures, take video and, well, a little bit of everything.

Oh, one other thing, they can also be addictive.

Case in point: physicians are seeing people come in with some interesting cell phone-related maladies. Some doctors have seen dedicated smartphone use leading to repetitive stress injuries. Do you like to text? If you do too much texting, your thumb's tendons can constrict and you can end up with the injury called "texting thumb."

Recently, a California man, a fellow who is dedicated to the game Candy Crush Saga, after more than six weeks of constant playing, actually managed to rupture a tendon in his hand. You've got to love a game a lot to create that kind of injury.

All of this is a roundabout way to get to the biblical individual: James the Just.

This James was the brother of our Lord, an early convert to the faith, a leader of the early church, and one of the first martyrs for the faith. James should be known and respected for all of those qualities ... and for one more.

The ancient church historian, Eusebius tells us, "(St. James) was in the habit of entering alone into the temple, and was frequently found upon his knees begging forgiveness for the people, so that his knees became hard like those of a camel ...."

James' knees were callused because he spent so much time kneeling in prayer.

Now, I just checked I don't have the condition I've called, "prayer knees." You probably don't either, which, I guess is a sign of where we're putting our priorities, isn't it? It's a sad thing that so many of us feel naked if we don't have our cell phones, but most of us don't feel the least bit strange when it come to forgotten prayer.

This maybe means we need an adjustment in attitude. We have a Savior who gave His life for our forgiveness and salvation. For His gracious act we need to "thank and praise, serve and obey Him."

And get down on our knees in faithful prayer.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me keep my priorities straight. Help me invest my time in that which glorifies You. This I ask in the Savior's Name. Amen
 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:     What was Thomas also called? (Hint: It's not the doubter or Doubting Thomas)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR: 
Mon- FAMILY NIGHT!!!!  EVERYONE IS INVITED!!  5:30-7!! 
Tues- Quilting 9-2; No Bible study
Wed- Praise band practice 5:30; Choir practice 7
Sat- Vendor Fair/Tailgate Sale/ Luncheon 7am-2pm;Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- John Pezold; 11- Sophie Tinnin
Ushers-  8:30- Scott and Alex Heitgerd and Bob and Tom Linke

Altar- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean up- Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Charlie Figura; 8:30- Jim Rahn; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Wanda Turnure; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Tim Linke  11- Randy Sweet
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Pianist- Barb Dreyer
Projectionists: No projectionists this weekend
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS: 
FAMILY NIGHT TONIGHT AT 5:30pm!!  NO NEED TO BRING FOOD!!  THERE IS PLENTY LEFTOVER FROM OUR WONDERFUL CONFIRMATION FEASTS YESTERDAY!!
 
Come and join us for some wonderful food and fellowship!  We will be learning the Bible through Bible Pictionary!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TAILGATE SALE/VENDOR FAIR/ BAKE SALE/LUNCHEON IS THIS SATURDAY FROM 7am-2pm!!!!
There are still plenty of spaces available both inside and outside!!
Vendor booths inside are $25 a space
Tailgate Spaces are $10 for two parking spots
A Space under the pavilion is available for $20 or the whole pavilion for $75!
 
Call the church office to reserve your space!! 456-2888
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOOD LIST IS ALL FILLED UP!
Thank you to all who signed up to donate food for this very worthy event!  Please bring your items as close to May 6 as possible for maximum freshness!! 
 
AND DON'T FORGET TO SHOW UP AT 6:30am on MAY 7 FOR OUR PRAYER BREAKFAST!!!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
MORE ALTAR GUILD MEMBERS AND LAY READERS NEEDED!!!
There is a need for some more ALTAR GUILD members especially cleaning up after the late service on communion Sundays
 
There is also a need for some more LAY READERS for all of our services but especially the Saturday service and  11am service on Sunday.
 
If you feel as though you could help your congregation in either of these ways, please reply to this email and we'll give you any training you need and put you on the schedule! 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PASTOR IS BIKING ACROSS MISSOURI JUNE 21-26!
As much as I need to get in shape, this is more to raise money for www.leadachild.org.   If you'd like to donate to this most worthy cause, go to the website, click on the donate button, find the space that says "Lead a Child Bible club, enter your amount and enter my name.  Then you can pay by check, e-check, or credit/debit card.
 
Thank you for your support!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
QUILT RAFFLE
The quilt is hanging in the church basement and will be awarded to some lucky person at 1pm on Saturday, May 2!!  You may purchase tickets from a quilter or from the church office.  Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5!! 
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALLING ALL BAKERS!!!
If you have never been involved in one of our church activities (and even if you have), here is a new challenge for you!!  There will be a cake/dessert booth at the carnival on September 12!  The carnival will be open from 11am until dusk!  Donations of baked good and workers to man the booth will be needed!!  Desserts needing refrigeration cannot be accepted.  Work shifts will be for two hours beginning at 10am and will go till closing time.  To eliminate many, many phone calls, a sign up sheet has been placed on the narthex where you can volunteer!! 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
LITTLE LAMBS IS ENROLLING NOW FOR THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR!!
Only a few spaces left!  Get those registrations in today!!  Get your registration forms from the preschool or from the church office.
 
__________________________________________________________________________________________
DID YOU HAVE FUN WITH THE TRAVELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP AT THEIR LAST EVENT? 
Well the next trip is already in the works!  They will be taking a trip to Rocheport and Arrow Rock, MO on August 22!!  They will have dinner at the J. Huston Tavern in Arrow Rock and then enjoy the play "Driving Miss Daisy" at the Lyceum Theater.  Cost will be determined by number of people going.  It should run between $60 and $70 per person.  Sign up soon as there seems to be a lot of interest. 
_______________________________________________________________________________________
STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS YOU!!
Stephen Ministry Leadership Training will be held April 12-18, 2015 in St. Louis at a hotel near the airport.  If anyone is interested in being part of this ministry, and wants more details, call Joanne Hachtel, 636-745-8711.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET NEEDS TO GET FILLED UP!!!  We have no one signed up till May 16!!  Please sign up!
Apr. 26- Gary and Joanna Hoelscher
May 3-  Rich and Lois Boeger
May 10- Ava Campbell w/ help from Gary and Teresa Scott
May 17-
May 24-
May 31-
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ST. JOHN'S YELLOW PAGES
If you didn't get your business card in this month's newsletter get them in to the office for the April newsletter!! This advertising is free to members.  Many times members call and ask if there are members who are in a certain business or profession.  People would always rather do business with fellow church members when they can.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD?  ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop. 
________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE!!!!  OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2015!!!
We are looking for ideas for carnival games and also donations of carnival game prizes for the vent.  Please donate prizes into the cardboard box in the narthex.  Also, if any one has an idea for a carnival game, or a game itself they would like to donate please contact Joanna Hoelscher at 636-485-0635 or Karla Christophene at 314-397-1375.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:

For JOHN HACHTEL as he recovers from a very minor "mini" stroke.

 

For LIL WINTER as she recovers from having part of her colon removed due to infection.

 

For MOLLY HENDERSHOT who is recovering at Delmar Gardens after falling and breaking her leg right below the hip socket.  .

 

For JANE KESSEL (Freddie's wife) who is hospitalized with possible after a fall.  She is hospitalized because of continued shortness of breath.

 

For CAROL KOHRS who is recovering at home from an infection.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE who is home from the hospital recovering from chemo treatment.  

 

For DAVE KOHRS who has stopped receiving chemo treatments and has placed himself on hospice care.

 

For BONNIE FRENZIA who is spending some time in Delmar Gardens for rehab.


For OUR CONGREGATION AS WE SLOWLY MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR BUILDING PROGRAM!!

 

For OUR DCE INTERN, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord moves a congregation in need of her abilities to call her into full time DCE ministry.

 

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, as she continues to recover from several strokes and seizures.
 
For WILMA WEIGLE as she is having a lot of difficulty with congestion and possible pneumonia. .

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .
  


 


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The Lutheran Hour: April 26, 2015



-------- Original message --------
From: Lutheran Hour Ministries <lh_min@lhm.org>
Date: 04/25/2015 9:16 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: revklaus@hotmail.com
Subject: The Lutheran Hour: April 26, 2015

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The Lutheran Hour

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Email Us button greenSermon Text for April 26, 2015 

"Open-Minded and Accepting" #82-34

Presented on The Lutheran Hour on April 26, 2015
By Rev. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
(Law and Justice)
Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries

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Text: Acts 4:12


Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed. Dear Lord, I give thanks that although I once was blind, because of Holy Spirit-given faith I can see. May I gladly share Jesus' life-changing good news with others so they might also believe. Amen. 

An updated story from ancient India begins with a small circus coming to an even smaller town. In fact, the circus was so small its coming might have gone unnoticed if it weren't for the fact they had a petting zoo... a petting zoo which featured an elephant. To "see" an elephant with their sensitive hands was an opportunity which intrigued six blind men from the area. Knowing their interest, two friends of the blind men set up a meeting. The elephant's trainer promised he would make the visit memorable if the group arrived before Baby's afternoon's performance. Baby was the elephant's name. 

Sadly, the blind men and their leaders misjudged the time it would take to park their car and make it through the crowd to the pen where Baby was located. The trainer said, "We only have a few moments before we have to perform, so please, quickly, come and see Baby for yourselves." The blind men didn't need to be invited twice. As they approached Baby, they spread out so as not get in each other's way. One felt the elephant's trunk and said, "AHH! An elephant is like the branch of a tree; another, at the tail, exclaimed, "The elephant is like a snake." One of the blind men felt Baby's leg and stated she reminded him of a tree trunk; while another touched the elephant's ear which most resembled a large jungle leaf. The last blind man felt Baby's massive side and said, "Now I understand, the elephant is very much like a wall with stucco." 

Their visit was cut short by Baby's performance. As the friends took them home, the blind men shared their impressions with each other. At first they disagreed with each other; but then, after a while, common sense took over, the blind men became reasonable and realized each had been absolutely right and correct in sharing his partial and personal perspective of a bigger truth. 

That incredibly simple story, a story which encourages people to be open-minded and accepting of others has, in the last 100 years, seen widespread application. First open-mindedness was used to address conflicts between nations. From 1914 to 1918, many countries fought in what was known as "The Great War" or "The War To End All Wars." After that conflict had ended, the civilized people of the world thought, "This is foolish. All of us hate war and all of us want peace. Even so, we are sacrificing millions of our generation's young men on the battlefield to settle petty, international conflicts. Most certainly our nations have their own unique perspectives on matters political, but do those opinions justify such sacrifice? Can't the nations of the world be more tolerant and get along together?" 

Being open-minded and accepting was a grand idea... a wonderful idea. But the idea of international tolerance and global peace was somewhat tarnished by the Lithuanian War of Independence, and the Polish-Czechoslovak War, and the Hungarian-Romanian war, and the Turkish War of Independence, and the Third Anglo-Afghan War, and the Portuguese Monarchist Civil war, and the Italo-Yugoslav War, and the Polish-Soviet War, and the First Silesian Uprising, and the Irish War of Independence, and the Greco-Turkish war. And if that sounds like a lot of wars, it is... but those are just the wars which began in the year 1919. By 1939, much of the rest of the world, having put open-mindedness and tolerance on the back burner, had armed its troops and sent them off to a war which was unprecedented in size, scope, and scale. And the War To End All Wars was given a number to show open-mindedness and tolerance doesn't work with nations. 

Still, the idea of tolerance seemed solid. If it didn't play out so well on a large, international scale, perhaps it might do better within the confines of our nation's borders. "After all," the reasoning went, "we who have a common background and geography ought to be able to live in harmony. Now I don't know how that has worked out in other countries, but in the U.S. of A. everybody says open-minded bi-partisan support of any bill or project is a good and noble thing. That being said, any statesman who does cross over party lines is considered a turncoat, a traitor, a betrayer. And the most casual observer soon sees tolerance in a nation is a brass ring which always seems beyond our reach. 

Now even though open-mindedness and tolerance have failed internationally and nationally, that doesn't mean the world is ready to give up on the concept. Their adherents said humanity ought to start small and work its way up to bigger applications. The logic of working with a more manageably sized group was unquestionably sound. Yes, the idea is sound theoretically, but practically, it is often a distinct failure. Talk to the merchants of Ferguson, Missouri; go to any of America's divorce courts and ask those folks about tolerance and they will give you an earful. Tolerance and open-mindedness sound great until you are caught in a traffic gridlock during a city rush-hour or travel a few hundred miles with three children in the backseat of your car. In all of these instances and so many more, tolerance and open-mindedness remain little more than an unfulfilled dream. 

So, is there no place where the story of the blind men and the elephant can be played out successfully? Is there no venue where humanity can expect to see open-mindedness and tolerance? My friends, don't be surprised when I tell you there is such a place, and that place is religion. People expect all religions to be open-minded toward each other and be tolerant of all humanity. They expect religions to be tolerant because, "When all is said and done, aren't the various religions of the world just like those blind men and the elephant? Each religion has its own particular version of the truth. Yes, they all have their holy books, they all have their individual doctrines and their own unique concepts of the afterlife; but, in actuality, those religions are pretty much the same. In actuality they are all following the same god; they are all saying the same thing; they are all trying to help people." 

Believing those statements to be the gospel truth, the world demands religions in general, and Christianity in particular, to find common ground with each other. And if everyone, and by that I mean, any Christians, get bucky about being open-minded and tolerant, they will hear the outcry: "How dare you! Didn't Jesus tell us to love our enemies? Didn't Jesus tell us not to judge? Wasn't Jesus open-minded and tolerant of everyone?" 

Well, those questions deserve answers; so, here goes. Did Jesus tell us to love our enemies? Absolutely. Even from the cross, as He was carrying our sins, as He was dying the death we deserved, Jesus loved His enemies and forgave them. Yes, Jesus loved those who made themselves His enemy, but remember, those are the very sinners He had come to save. 

People get pretty bold when they say, "Isn't Jesus accepting of everyone? Well, I can tell you Jesus' entire ministry was a call to repentance and an invitation to faith and salvation in Him as Savior. Jesus asked, He demanded that His followers leave behind their old lives so the Holy Spirit could create a new heart within them and give them a faith which would bring them into the family of faith. So was Jesus always accepting? Yes, He accepted them as sinners, and then He changed them. He told them to leave those sins and be given a new life, a new heart, a new home in heaven. 

But a moment ago we were asked other questions, questions like, "Didn't Jesus tell us not to judge?" Yes, I have to admit, the Savior did say those words. But I also have to tell you that sentence ripped out of context totally miss His point. Let me explain. Suppose a young man left a message on his girlfriend's phone. The message he sent was: "I am leaving you to go downtown and buy an engagement ring." The message she got was, "I am leaving you." Now, did he tell her he was leaving her? Yes, he did. But those words, taken out of context, really change the message. 

Similarly, Jesus told us not to judge, but He judged a lot. When He kicked the money-changers and the sellers out of the temple, that was a judgment. When He commended the widow who gave all she had to the Lord, that was a judgment. When He wept over unrepentant Jerusalem, His tears were a sign of Him having judged. When He called the Pharisees 'white-washed tombs' and 'snakes' and a lot of other names, it was a judgment. When the Savior picked His disciples, even that was a judgment. 

When Jesus told us not to judge, it was a warning. He wanted us to know the standard we used in judging others would be the same standard they will take and use on us. If those words, "Do not judge" was what He really wanted, then why did He give the keys to the kingdom of heaven to His church? Why did He tell us, "If you forgive the sins of any person, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any individual, forgiveness is withheld." John 20:23

Yes, the church is to be judgmental. Do you want to know why? It is because the Lord has said there are things a person can do which will keep Him out of heaven. Yes the Lord has said that, and then He has asked His church to deliver His message. He has told His people to let the world know there is salvation for them by believing in Jesus' perfect life, His unfair death, and saving resurrection. But in order to have that faith the Lord needs to transform them from being dyed-in-the-wool-unforgiven sinners to saints with saved souls. That is the message we have been asked to share. If we don't, we would be like the doctor who has a cure for a dying patient, but refuses to share that information. Such negligence is unacceptable, inexcusable, unfaithful, and sinful. 

Of course, there are those people who will continue to say, "But shouldn't Christianity try to find common ground with other religions? Shouldn't you be more open-minded of them and tolerant? After all, they are worshipping their version of god and you are following yours. Who can say which of you are right? Maybe, like those blind men and the elephant, all of you are a little right and all of you are a little wrong? Isn't that a possibility?" 

Well, no, it's not a possibility. How's that for a short answer? If you're patient with me I'd like to explain why. You just mentioned that story about the blind men and the elephant. Please, let me retell that story... 

... which begins just as it did before... a small circus came to a very small town. That circus had little to recommend itself to the townsfolk other than it offered a petting zoo to all who paid admission. The chance to get up close to a llama or a camel was intriguing but what really interested folks was seeing and touching Baby, the lone elephant of the circus. The possibility of seeing, that is touching, Baby, was of special interest to some men, five men in the area, who had been blind since birth. Those blind men asked two of their friends to find out if such a thing were possible. One of them was glad to do so, but the other reminded the men that he had already made plans to take them to the eye doctor, a surgeon who had a clinic a few towns away. 

It was a tough decision, but it had to be made. Four of the men went with one friend to see Baby and the other went to the eye surgeon. As before, the blind men arrived to see Baby just before she was supposed to do her act. Still, they were welcomed and got a few moments alone with the elephant. As before, the blind men spread out as they went to 'see' the elephant. As before, the first blind man felt the elephant's trunk and thought, "AHH! An elephant is like the branch of a tree; the second who had gravitated to the tail, whispered, "Now I see, the elephant every much resembles a large snake." The third blind man had wandered up to Baby's front leg and stated 'the elephant certainly resembles a tree.' The fourth, and last blind man, ran his hands all over the elephant's ear and noted that it resembled a palm leaf. 

The time they spent with the elephant was way too short, but as we all know, the show must go on. The blind men with their associate got into the van for the ride to their various homes. As they traveled, they talked about the afternoon's experience. It didn't take too long for these bright men to realize that each of them had based his beliefs on the small part of the elephant that he had experienced. 

That story is pretty much as you remember it... except for the fifth blind man who went to the eye surgeon. He was examined and told he had congenital cataracts. That bit of information was nothing new to him. What was new is the doctor assured him that the medical removal of such cataracts had advanced considerably over the years. Indeed, the surgeon was fully prepared to take off those cataracts that very day. 

The blind man hesitated a bit. Of course he wanted his sight, but how could he pay for such a surgery? It had to be expensive, certainly more than he could afford. He shared his concern with the physician and was told this: "Years ago my son died. It was a tragic and unfair situation, but I decided to make good come of it. I set up an endowment in his memory and now, every surgery which restores sight to the blind is made for free."

In less time than it takes to tell, arrangements were made and within the span of four hours, the blind man was able to see. Traveling back home with his friend, the blind man was positively mesmerized by all the sights he could see through the vehicle's glass. Although he had to wear large, dark glasses, the man remained enthusiastic as he eagerly described old things which were new to him. It took a while for the once-blind man to wind down. Eventually, he grew silent. His friend said, "A penny for your thoughts." Slowly his passenger spoke, "I know we're headed home, and I hate to ask you to do something more for me, but I was wondering... do you think we could stop at the circus so I could see the elephant?"

The driver laughed and made the detour. They reached the circus and walked toward Baby. This trip also took longer than anyone might have imagined since our newly visioned friend was overwhelmed by the wonderful things he was seeing. Again and again he stopped to soak in and comment on every sight, every face, every wonderful color. Eventually they managed to reach Baby. Baby's handler wouldn't let the two get right up close because Baby was already resting from her long day. The ex-blind man was disappointed, but that feeling lasted for only an instant. "After all," he thought to himself, "I can actually see her. I can see all of her. I can see her color, the hair on her skin, the myriad number of muscles in her trunk; her great flapping ears." In an instant he took in so much information he couldn't help but be overwhelmed. Finally it was time for them to leave. 

That's the story. Now, let me ask you... what did that ex-blind man do the next day? Can you guess? Yes, he went and saw his still-blind friends. He talked to them about the elephant and, since he had seen the beast, he filled in all their unknowns with the truth. And if any of them said, "But isn't an elephant like a big leaf, or a tree trunk, or a snake," he would not have been open-minded or accepting. Lovingly, gently, he would have told them the truth. Of course, the elephant was not the major part of his talk. Most of all he spoke of his gratitude toward the doctor who had changed his life. He spoke of the doctor's son whose death had graciously, and freely, given him a new life. He talked about the doctor because the once-blind-man wanted his friends to see things as clearly as he. 

Which, of course is just what Christians do. They talk about how God and the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, has transformed their lives and their eternity. No longer do we have to guess about our future or blindly stumble through this life. We have been saved by Jesus and given a new life, an incredibly wonderful life. We can see and we want others to see as well. Which is why we share God's truth and reject anything which is less. Which leads me to say... if you would like to know more about God's truth, we would like to share. Please, call us at The Lutheran Hour. Amen. 

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LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for April 26, 2015
Topic: Law and Justice

ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Ken Klaus talks about the difference between law and justice. I'm Mark Eischer.

KLAUS: And hello, to you my friend. 

ANNOUNCER: Lately, we've heard people demanding justice or saying justice hadn't been done in this or that case. Even after these folks had been through the legal process and a decision had been made against them; which leads me to ask, "What is justice and how do we obtain it?" 

KLAUS: To the best of my knowledge, every society has created laws for its people... laws designated to protect individuals, their homes, their property, and society. Ideally, those laws, their blessings and their penalties, are to be applied fairly, impartially, and in equal measure to everyone. 

ANNOUNCER: But here's the problem. Laws aren't always fair; they aren't always impartial; and they're not always equally applied. When that happens, that's not justice, is it?

KLAUS: Right. But we have to remember that there can be a very a big difference between the application of laws and real justice. 

ANNOUNCER: Shouldn't law bring about justice?

KLAUS: Yes, it should. And if everything was good and right, that is exactly what would happen. But everything is not always good and right. You can have a judge, a jury, prosecutor, defender, and press who can lean or come down fully for or against someone. It is difficult for justice to be done under such situations. You can have a super-star team of lawyers who simply out razzle-dazzle the competition. Then there are the emotions and background baggage of all the people involved. Now, add the fact that all of these folks, every single one of them, is a sinner with their own goals and agendas; well, it's amazing that justice is ever done. 

ANNOUNCER: According to the novelist Raymond Chandler, the law isn't justice, but it's a very imperfect mechanism. If you press exactly the right buttons and you're also lucky, justice may show up in the answer. Is that what you are trying to say? 

KLAUS: I am. Imperfect people, in an imperfect world, working with limited vision will not always arrive at the truth; nor will real justice always be handed out. That's why we keep hearing about innocent people who spend years in prison after they had been wrongfully convicted. The law is what we have; justice is the perfect ideal. 

ANNOUNCER: That leads me to ask will it ever be possible for people to be assured that justice has been handed out? 

KLAUS: No. Not in this world. As we go into the next, that is something quite different. God, who is just, has seen all we have done wrong and will punish us accordingly. 

ANNOUNCER: But, I don't think I would like that kind of justice. After all, the Bible says the soul which sins will die and the wages of sin is death. 

KLAUS: No, you don't want justice then. You want mercy and grace. Thankfully, because God loves us, He sent His Son, who was unjustly hated, unjustly accused, unjustly beaten, and unjustly murdered. All this injustice Jesus endured in our place so God's grace could be applied and we could be forgiven of our sins and stand in innocence before the heavenly Judge. 

ANNOUNCER: What quality is most missing in our world today? What one thing do we most need if we are going to improve our chances of obtaining temporal justice? 

KLAUS: Respect. Respect for the laws as they stand... and if they're not good laws, we change them in a lawful way. We don't ignore or destroy them. Respect. Respect for the rules and decisions of those who are in authority. If they are not worthy of respect, then we elect new persons to take that place. We don't threaten, blackmail, or terrorize the ones we have. In a single word: Respect. 

ANNOUNCER: But, will that guarantee justice?

KLAUS: No, but it is a step in the right direction. And it is absolutely better than the anarchy, the vigilantism, the breakdown of society that can occur if we don't. 

ANNOUNCER: In the time we have left, anything else? 

KLAUS: Yeah. Paul wrote to the church in Rome where God's people were suffering from injustice. In the 13th chapter, he wrote, "(the one who is in authority) ..."is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience....Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. 

ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Klaus. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.



Music Selections for this program:

"A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission.

"In You, Lord, I Have Put My Trust" arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission.

"Long Before the World Is Waking" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

"Hail Thee, Festival Day" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

 

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