13 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
6 And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, 'Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?' 8 And he answered him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"I remember back when hurricane Katrina destroyed a big part of New Orleans. I heard so many people say that it was God's judgment against that city. To those who said that, or who think that way about things any time a natural disaster or freak accident happens, I say, READ JESUS' WORDS IN THE PASSAGE ABOVE!
How much time do you think you have left on the earth? A day? A week? 50 years? The truth is that you don't know. You are just as big a sinner as everyone else, and so you will, one day, take your last breath! A very stern warning from Jesus, indeed!
The groups of people that Jesus mentions didn't die because they were worse sinners than everyone else, or because that was a specific judgment against a specific sin. It was because they were just as big of sinners as you are! What does that say about you?
The God who knows the day of your death, gives you and I a warning. He calls us to repentance. He could just leave us alone. He could just say that it's up to us and our own wits to get ourselves into a right relationship with Jesus and into heaven. He doesn't. Instead he warns us that we need to repent or we will likewise perish.
Indeed, we will perish. We will leave this earth. Our souls will leave our bodies at the moment of our last breath. That's not the perishing that Jesus is talking about here. he is talking about perishing eternally. He is talking about how everyone is equally sinful and is equally in need of forgiveness. Repentance is the beginning of that forgiveness. Repentance is the realization that I am sinful, that I can't get things right on my own, and that I need a Savior from my sin, which is Jesus. Repentance is a literal turning around and going the other way.
He doesn't leave us hanging though. he doesn't make us do it all on our own. He also gives us the tools and the power to repent and receive forgiveness! It's called His WORD and His SACRAMENTS!!! The trouble is that if you're not in church, you're much less likely to receive them! Get your butt to church so that you can receive and use the tools and the power that you need to repent and believe the good news!
Prayer: Lord, make me repent from my particular sins and run to your arms for forgiveness and a renewed heart and life. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Fri- Assemble Newslettter 9am; (30 Hour Famine postponed)
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Voter's meeting 9:45
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Hailey Blechle; 11- Jack Bunge
Ushers- Sun- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Sun Set up- Don Hance; Clean up- Elaine Schauer and Lynn Russell
Elders- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Dave and Linda Callies; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Lay Readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone; 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11 - Sandy Robine
Pianist- Sat- Molly Hendershot
Sun Pianist- Barb Dreyer
Projectionists: Sat- Perricone 8:30- Schaumberg; 11- Klaustermeier
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YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: What were the Israelites to do with their land every seven years?
Excellent answer from Don Nolte: Quiz; Leviticus 25 starting at verse 4 Every seventh year was a sabbatical year when the Israelite farmer did not plant any crops on their lands or harvest any volunteer crops. It provided rest for the soil and emphasized the people's dependence upon God, since they depleted their reserves of food during the sabbatical year
2. Warrenton High School Band is having a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and concert on Sat, Feb. 27 at 6pm. It will be a casual dinner with music while you dine! Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for kids in advance. $10/$5 at the door. Let me know by next Tuesday if you want to go. It's perfect for Saturday night after church!!! There are five St. John's High school kids in band this year. Make checks payable to WHS Band Boosters.
Unfortunately over the past several years, they have barely broken even on these dinners. The parents usually donate the desserts and even much of the other food out of their own pockets. Without that the youth would probably lose money.
It is especially important that they make money this year, as they will need all they can get to make their goal for the National Youth Gathering in new Orleans.
I want to encourage you all to attend these dinners, and, while there is no set price per person for these dinners, a generous free will offering is strongly encouraged!!
Below is the Menu for each week:
March 2-
taco bar w/all the fixings
desserts
March 9-
pasta
salad
rolls
desserts
March 16-
Fried Chicken
potatoes
corn
rolls
desserts
As always, thank you for your continued support of the future of Christianity!!!
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