The Lutheran Hour: April 19, 2015

Sermon Text for April 19, 2015  "It's Not Over 'til Jesus Says It's Over" #82-33 Presented on The Lutheran Hour on April 19, 2015 By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker (A Faith Journey for the Ages!) Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries     Text: Luke 24:36-49 As the disciples were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and he said to them, "Peace be to you!" But they were startled and frightened and they thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.".....Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.  Christ is risen; He is risen, indeed. Amen.  Wow, what a day that must have been for those disciples of Jesus. In just a matter of days, they had gone through almost the whole range of human emotions, from hope and anticipation, to fear and dread, and then huddled together, they were terrified about what might happen next in their lives too. One day, they were following Jesus; the crowds were shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David," and then they shouted "Crucify Him, Crucify Him," leading to Jesus hanging dead on a cross. It all happened so fast. What else could they have done but run for their lives or hide for their lives?  But, as this lesson says so clearly, "Nothing is over, until Jesus says, 'It's over!'" And that is especially true when you are dealing with something that is beyond your control or out of your hands. Those times are especially the time to look to Christ, to pray to Him, to trust Him no matter what. Have you ever had a time like that in your life; a time that overwhelmed you, even frightened you, and then, suddenly, out of the blue, everything was all right and it had nothing to do with your effort, nothing to do with your diligence or perseverance?  Well, that's exactly what happened to Air Force pilot, Lt. Gary Foust, one day in 1970 during a training exercise near Malmstrom Air Force Base over Montana. At an altitude of 43,000 feet, the jet entered into an unrecoverable flat spin. Foust prepared to take the only action Air Force protocol recommended: eject. When the plane had fallen to 8,000 feet, Foust pulled the ejection lever and was launched out of the doomed aircraft. His parachute deployed and Foust watched in surprise as the unimaginable occurred.  The plane didn't crash. Let me say that again. The plane didn't crash. In fact, the abandoned plane stopped its spin, nosed downward, leveled off, and flew off on its own toward the horizon. Out of his control, without its pilot, Foust imagined it would crash, but to everyone's surprise the jet descended gradually and came to a gentle stop on a patch of snow in a wheat field near the town of Big Sandy. Not only did it recover from its unrecoverable spin but it survived its solo landing and lived on to fly again. What an unlikely, extraordinary ending to a plane out of control.  It was out of the blue. An amazing new reality when things seemed totally out of control. I think that's how Jesus' disciples must have felt the day of Jesus' resurrection; the same Jesus, who had died on the cross, who had been laid in the grave, with chaos and hopelessness seemingly in control, suddenly, not only a safe landing, but a tremendous victory. There He was, the crucified One, standing in their midst, alive, resurrected.  Everything changed for them that day, because their faith in Jesus was vindicated, their hope in Him assured. Everything changed for them that day, when the risen from the dead Jesus Christ came among them and said, <.i>"Peace to you!"....... Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.  Nothing is over until He, Jesus, says it's over! The point of the Bible is clear - only Jesus can be entrusted with that kind of confidence and hope. Only Jesus can bear the burden of being all things, to all people, so that all can be saved! That's His offer, one that only He can make. If you read your Bible at all, you'll quickly realize that everything hinges on Jesus. The Bible claims that Jesus is the eternal Word of God who created the world. The Bible proclaims that His work, His Word, and His final judgment are what matters most in your life and in mine, now, and even more importantly, forever. The modern-day rebellion against Jesus, His Word, His church; it's not so modern. People of all times have been tempted to put their trust in themselves, to put their trust in their political leaders of the day, to put their trust in bank accounts, fame, and influence. Here's what I've learned about such things in my short time on this earth. The Bible is right about these things. On their own, by themselves, every one of those trusts will be broken; they'll let you down; often, just when you need it most! But the Bible is not merely about the reality of our brokenness. It's about life in Jesus Christ for all who believe. The early followers of Jesus didn't just casually believe in Him, they had staked their lives on Him. They were sure that He was the Messiah, the Son of God, God's answer to the problem of sin and death. Then, He was arrested, beaten, brutally executed on a cross. Then, His lifeless body had been sealed away in a tomb. Then, they themselves were sure all was lost, all was hopeless. But, that hopelessness and despair was exactly what Jesus came to vanquish once and for all, for them and for all who believe!  And now, on the evening of that Easter Sunday, the disciples of Jesus stood in amazement at the sight of Him, resurrected, even eating a meal in front of them. Jesus was alive! Death couldn't hold Him. Their faith in Him had not been in vain. All that Jesus had taught them, all that He had done, all that He had stood for, all that He had promised was alive and well.  They learned that nothing is over until Jesus says, "It's over!" If you are a believer in Jesus, you know this. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior, you can know this in your life right now, starting today. And when you know that nothing in this world will have the final say, nothing but Jesus; that really changes everything.  Let me illustrate. One of the hardest things that the Bible teaches is that you and I, even as believers, will have times of trouble in our lives, trouble just like everyone else. In fact, there will be trouble in our lives that even non-believers don't face; that's the trouble of being persecuted just because we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Sometimes I have the hardest time explaining to people why that's no big deal. They'll say, "Why trust in Him if you're still going to have many of the same problems that we do and more?" How would you answer that, my friend? It's a valid question. But, more than that, it's an opportunity to show why your faith in Jesus is the very essence of your life, the very center of it all. Everything is transformed when you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  For an answer to this question, just look at the text. Jesus comes into the middle of their fears and confusion and gives them what they need most, His peace. He gives them a solid place to stand with God the Father. He's overcome the threat of death; He's vanquished the fear of eternal punishment, and He's assuring all who believe in Him that not only is there life after death, there is purposeful, meaningful, eternal life waiting for all who believe. In view of that, what's a little struggle this side of heaven? In view of that, what's a little pain compared to eternal joy? In view of that, perseverance through trial becomes a journey towards the promises of God fulfilled. Jesus, in essence, is saying, "It's not over until I say it's over....and, you ain't seen nothing yet."  The very weekend of His crucifixion, Jesus came with a message of resurrection, of peace in the middle of fear and confusion. That resurrection reality even caused Him to send those disciples out to deliver His Good News to anyone who would listen and believe.  He reminds them; remember, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you (Jn 15:20). But don't be afraid. Don't lost heart. "It's not over until I say it's over....and, you ain't seen nothing yet."  The disciples experienced the truth of that reality at the end of their own lives. We're beginning to see more and more of that today too, aren't we? Christians are being persecuted just for believing and sharing the Good News of Jesus. Daily we hear Christians suffering in countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq at the hands of terrorists who are hell-bent on converting them or killing anyone who confesses Jesus to be Lord and Savior. It may even be worse than we read, dear friends. In fact, please pray for those who suffer around the world in His Name. Times like we're living in today, this can tempt us all to look for the ejection lever to bail out from the body of Christ, the Christian Church. We're tempted to think that such persecution will have the last say. But even in day-to-day struggles they can tempt us that way too. It may be an illness that is overwhelming, or a debt that we can't seem to pay, it may be a relationship that is not only broken, but it continues to break us down, day after day after day. Can the message of Christ's Church still help? Can the Word of God still speak to us today? Today, just like then, Jesus shows up amidst our fears, and struggles, and pain. No door can keep Him out. No trial can overcome Him. With a resurrection peace and a resurrection power for your life, He comes especially then to say, "It's not over until I say it's over....and, you ain't seen nothing yet."  The Good News for us today is that even when our lives seem at the brink of despair, even when we feel like bailing out or abandoning ship, Jesus not only doesn't abandon ship when the going gets tough, He has made a way through all that is against us. He provides resources for the life of faith, for even the difficult life of discipleship; that's a life to be lived with faith rooted in His resurrection promise that all is in His ultimate control even amidst catastrophe. That's a life resourced with His biblical promises and His real presence that readies us to face whatever this world throws at us. That's a life that faces today and tomorrow with a persevering purpose; one that infuses our lives with the fact that we were created and redeemed for eternal purposes that are bigger than anything we're up against now. His Word endures, it empowers. He even promises that the Church that He builds on this Word will endure! Remember, He said, not even the gates of hell would prevail against it (Matt 16:18). So, let me say it more clearly; it's true, in Christ, it's never over until He says it's over, and we ain't seen nothing yet; but even more importantly, in Him, what really matters, never ends!  In Christ, the victory is always sure, no matter the skirmish of the day. For those who put their faith in Him. Yes, there is sin and sorrow, struggle, even pain of death; but all will come to an end. And even now, death's eternal shadow has been broken, sins eternal chains have been cut; all of it is over, it's done. Such things have no hold on those who put their trust in Him. He, the crucified One, is risen indeed, and so are those who put their faith in Him.  So, I'm inviting you, dear friend, to walk in that same peace that Jesus gave those disciples that day. I'm inviting you to trust in Him no matter what you face at the moment. In time you will see God's purposes. In time you will see His glory amidst your trials. But in all things you will be overwhelmed by His grace, His goodness, and forgiveness, indeed that will fill you beyond anything in this world. That's His promise, that's His gift....for you. There's a Persian Legend that illustrates the power of living confidently with the words and commands of the one who is king. When the king is trustworthy and true, he is to be followed no matter the temporal trial or temptation to live otherwise. The legend goes this way. A certain king needed a faithful servant and had to choose between two candidates for the office. He took both at fixed wages and told them to fill a basket with water from a nearby well, saying that he would come in the evening to inspect their work. After dumping one or two buckets of water into the basket, one of the men said, "What is the good of doing this useless work? The basket is leaking. As soon as we pour the water in, it runs out the sides." The other answered, "But we have our wages, haven't we? The use is the master's business, not ours. He is a wise king, and must have his own purpose that we do not understand." "I'm not going to do such fool's work," replied the complainer. Throwing down his bucket, he went away. The other man continued until he had drained the well. Looking down into it, he saw something shining at the bottom - it was a diamond ring.  "Now I see the use of pouring water into the basket!" he exclaimed. "If the bucket had brought up the ring before the well was dry, it would have been filtered out into the basket. The king was looking for his diamond. Our work was not useless." The king found his most faithful servant, but our text today says even more than that. The resurrection appearances of the Crucified Savior is a message to the world that Jesus, the King of Kings, is the most faithful One to us, and for us, and He has a life for us to live, not only here and now, but forever.  If you are looking for purpose in your life, if you are struggling with trial or temptation in your life, if you are just trying to make sense of the craziness of this life right now, Jesus says, "Trust in Me." Let me say it even more clearly. It's true. In Christ, it's never over until He says it's over. In Christ, we ain't seen nothing yet. But even more importantly, in Him, what really matters never ends.  I pray that you get to know Him more, get to know His Word more because there is nothing like Him, nothing like His Word in this world or the next. Keep listening to this broadcast to get to know Jesus more clearly, be a part of His Church where His blessings of baptism, Communion, and absolution can be yours from His gracious hand, and remember, to be one of His disciples means you are a part of a group that knows that they are sinful in need of His grace, that comes in humility to receive and cherish His grace in our own lives, and even better, we are a group that wants you to know that grace and love too.  Jesus' disciples learned the one truth in life that matters, "It's never over until Jesus says it's over, and in Him, the things that really matter, they never end!" May God grant you that faith to trust in Him like that today and always. Amen! LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for April 19, 2015 Topic: A Faith Journey for the Ages! ANNOUNCER: Have you ever wanted to visit the places mentioned in the Bible? I'm Mark Eischer, here once again with Pastor Gregory Seltz and we're talking about the "Lands of the Bible Cruise," taking place September 28 through October 11. SELTZ: And what a trip it's going to be, Mark.  ANNOUNCER: Now, I've had the opportunity to be at some of these places, you have too. SELTZ: I have!  ANNOUNCER: Well, what value did you find in being there? SELTZ: For me there are two major benefits. First of all, whenever I read or hear a Bible story or  hear the Sunday morning readings, I immediately have a visual of that story in my mind  because I've been there, you've been there, we've been there together. It's like retrieving pictures off your hard drive. Those stories come alive for me just because of that.  ANNOUNCER: It's an experience that deepens your understanding of the Bible and helps you in sharing it. SELTZ: I think it does. For example, one of the most intriguing characters in the Bible, I think, is Herod the Great. He was the baby-killer of the Christmas story. And I've known for a long time that he walked that fine line between genius and insanity. ANNOUNCER: With, maybe, more than a little paranoia thrown in. SELTZ: Absolutely. In fact, he fell off the insanity side all too often; but seeing his amazing buildings, at least the ruins of many of them, projects like Caesarea, Masada, Jerusalem, it gave me a better understanding for that first-century setting in which Jesus came. Another example would be walking the route that Jesus probably walked that Thursday and Friday of Holy Week.  ANNOUNCER: And you find it was a rigorous walk, too!  SELTZ: It is. Jesus goes from Bethany on the other side of the Mount of Olives, down through the Kidron Valley, to the heart of Jerusalem, back through the Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane, back through the Kidron Valley to Caiaphas' house for a nighttime trial; He was awake all night, going across town in the morning to Pilate's court, and then to Golgotha; all without sleep.  ANNOUNCER: Which helps you realize Jesus was no weakling. SELTZ: He sure wasn't. He was a man of many strengths, spiritually and physically, too though. So while His suffering for your sins and mine culminated in the cross, it certainly started a lot earlier than that as a beaten, tired Man willfully being paraded around the city so that we could be saved. ANNOUNCER: And understanding that really adds a dimension to one's teaching; kind of like the difference between seeing a 3-D photograph and a black-and-white page in a book.  SELTZ: Yeah. Absolutely. ANNOUNCER: And really that's one of the great benefits. SELTZ: It is. These trips we take, they are not merely for the joy of seeing the places of the Bible. They are ultimately about growing our faith, digging into the Word as we "see and hear" what God has done for us and for all. ANNOUNCER: Now what makes this trip so special? SELTZ: I'm glad you asked. It's not just that we'll see the places where Jesus walked. We'll also see the places of St. Paul and St. John. Even the ship itself is a special ship, just the right size to journey to these special ports that can't be accessed by other ocean liners. It's an "all in one" trip of a lifetime, a Lands of the Bible tour! ANNOUNCER: And the itinerary includes stops in Israel, Greece, the Isle of Patmos, Ephesus, Turkey....the list goes on and on! SELTZ: Yes, it's incredible. You know, as you were talking about that list of places, it reminded me of how historical and real the Christian faith is. Jesus is about grace in the very dust of day to day living. I'm in awe seeing those places, especially as I realize that God journeyed there in the person of Jesus and made salvation possible for people like us. Then to see the places where that Gospel continued to go; places of commerce, like Ephesus; places of vice, like Corinth; and even places like Bethlehem, where no one seemed to want to go. ANNOUNCER: So, these are real stories of real people, a real Savior, and a real journey to the place where it all happened. It's more than a trip, it's really a pilgrimage.  SELTZ: It is. And just one note, it's also going to be a Mediterranean cruise as well. That's pretty incredible with all the safety and security of being on one of the finest cruise lines in the world! ANNOUNCER: All right. This is coming up in late September, but time is of the essence if someone wants to take part.  SELTZ: There is time, but you need to act now. Just go to our website, LHM.org for more information, or call Carla at our office; toll free 877-333-1963; that's 877-333-1963. ANNOUNCER: Lands of the Bible Cruise, September 28th through October 11th. Thank you, Pastor Seltz. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.  Music Selections for this program: "A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission. "Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "O Sons and Daughters of the King" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)   Print this sermon Sign up for LHM news Daily Devotions Visit lutheranhour.org Change my email Contact Us   subscribe / unsubscribe / sign-up for plain text / visit our website   660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141 1-800-876-9880 www.lhm.org

National day of Prayer Invite/Flyer

 

From your Outreach & Evangelism Board!!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS & WATCH FOR UPDATES

IN PASTOR'S DAILY EMAIL NEWSLETTER AND WEEKLY BULLETINS!!!!

 

National Day of Prayer Breakfast

St. John's Lutheran Church

Thursday - May 7, 2015

6:30 AM (sanctuary overflow)

 At 7:00 AM

Everyone Welcome!

Tuesday, April 14, 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). 

 

"Big Differences"  
April 14, 2015  
... the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. John 3:19b
Watch a pride of hunting lions in Africa and you will see they go after the weak, the young, the sickly.

Watch a pack of wolves in North America and you will see they often do the same.

Both groups, separated by an ocean, go after those who are least able to defend themselves. Yes, the pride or the pack could probably bring down a large, strong, healthy victim, but they choose the easy way, the safe way, the way that will produce the fewest injuries to them.

It makes common sense -- for lions and for wolves. In a sick sort of way, it makes sense for some of America's less courageous criminals too. To prove that statement's validity allow me to point to the recent rash of crimes where men stole from ... are you ready for this ... from Girl Scouts who were selling cookies.

* In New Hampshire, a crook grabbed the cash box of the Girl Scouts who were selling to the patrons of a Walgreens drug store.

* Across the country, in California, one coward ripped a cash box out of a Girl Scout's hands.

* In Michigan, in our nation's heartland, a thief stole more than $600 from a Girl Scout who had worked doubly hard for her money. She has cerebral palsy.

Looking through Scripture, you can see the forces of evil also seem to sneak up and prey upon those who are least able to defend themselves. The devil stealthily slithers his way through God's garden and slyly speaks his suggestions, which are designed to separate humanity from its Creator.

Look to the children of Israel who are wandering in the wilderness. Listen to their disobedient complaining, and you will soon realize that evil uses circumstances and situations to drive a wedge between the loving Lord and His people.

What a contrast there is between the forces of evil and God's great goodness.

Evil works in the dark, while Jesus not only brings the light, He is the Light of the world. The devil speaks lies while Jesus is the Truth. Evil works secretly and stealthily, while the Lord is always upfront and open. The devil comes to kill and destroy, but Jesus came so that we might have life and have life abundantly.

These differences will show themselves most clearly after the judgment where those who have aligned themselves with Satan will find their eternity spent in damnation, while Jesus' followers will be granted eternal life.

With the fact thus presented and evident to all, it is amazing that anyone would love the darkness. By God's grace may the Holy Spirit use us to reach them and bring them into the Lord's marvelous light.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may the eyes of the lost be open so they may see the great differences between Jesus' sacrifice which saves and Satan's enticements which damn. In the Savior's Name I pray. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour^®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
 
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:    Who was Shimei?  Shimei was a man of the Israelite tribe of Benjamin who held a grudge against King David who was of  the Israelite tribe of Judah.   King David had come to replace King Saul who was of the Benjamin tribe. 

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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Hushai?

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CALENDAR: 

Tues- Quilting 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15

Wed- Ladies Aid noon; NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Thurs- Praise band 6pm

Fri- Jr/Sr Hi Lock in 7pm; Bible study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- Lock-in ends at 7am; LWML Zone Rally All Day; Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Elder's meeting noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- Gus Klaustermeier; 11- Isabella Linstruth
Ushers-  Don Hancce, Rich Boeger, Don Tate, Doug Walters
Altar- Set up- Terry McKenzie; Clean up- Pam Linke
Communion Assistants- Sat- Steve Mc Dowell; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Lay readers- 8:30- Roy Bohning 11- Kailyn Blechle
Organist: Melissa Pedersen

Pianist- Kathy Barrow
Projectionists: Sat- Pam Bueltmann; 8:30- Julie Schaumberg; 11- Terry McKenzie
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NEWS: 

PRAYER BREAKFAST AND SERVICE COMING UP THURSDAY, MAY 7!

Wonderful continental breakfast 6:30-7am

Half hour prayer service 7-7:30am

 

Enjoy the company of your brothers and sisters in Christ, some wonderful food, and a beautiful time of prayer to start your day!

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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! 

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FAITH, FOOD, AND FAMILY NIGHT EVERY MONDAY NIGHT at 6PM!!

 What a wonderful way to grow with your church family!  Just a bring a dish full of your favorite food to share!

 

BRING YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS TOO!

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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE Penitentiary LEAVES AT 7:45!!!!  Please be on time!
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6-12 GRADE LOCK IN THIS FRIDAY-SATURDAY 7pm-7am!!

We'll start off with a movie at the theater and then spend the rest of the night in fun and games!  We will play Minute to Win It! and enjoy some pizza and other junk food! 

 

We need some chaperones please! 

 

Let Kelsey know if you can chaperone, even if it is just for a little while, if you are youth who is coming, and how many friends you are going to bring.  573-803-7826

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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!

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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!! 

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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!! 

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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.

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$5 MOVIE COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE MOVIE "Do You Believe" playing at Warrenton 8 Cinema right now. 

Coupons are on the table in the narthex.  Feel free to take as many as you need.

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DID YOU HAVE FUN WITH THE TRAVELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP THIS PAST SATURDAY? 

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. 

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NINTH ANNUAL TAILGATE SALE AND VENDOR FAIR WILL BE ON SATURDAY, MAY 2!! 

Tailgate sale starts at 7am and inside vendors will open at 8am and continue till 3pm.  The Ladies Aid will hold their luncheon and bake sale from 8am-3pm as well.  We are looking for vendors for indoor booths at $25 a stall and tailgaters to rent spaces outside at $10 a double parking space. There will also be PREMIUM rental space under the pavilion.  Rent the entire pavilion for $75 or we will divide into four spaces for $20 each. 

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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.

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FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET NEEDS TO GET FILLED UP!!!  We have no one signed up till May 16!!  Please sign up!
Apr 19- Pam Bueltmann
Apr. 26- Gary and Joanna Hoelscher

May 3-

May 10- Ava Campbell w/ help from Gary and Teresa Scott

May 17-

May 24-

May 31-

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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.
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DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD?  ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop. 
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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.

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PRAYER REQUESTS:

For CAROL KOHRS who is hospitalized after surgery to remove a blockage near her gall bladder.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE who is hospitalized with complications due to her chemo treatment.  Even though her cancer is in remission she still has to do treatment for another year and a  half.

 

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. .
  

Monday, April 13, 2015

DEVOTION:  "I lie down and sleep; I wake up again, because the Lord sustains me."  Psalm 3:5
 
Were you surprised when you woke up this morning that you were still breathing, that your heart was still beating, that the sun still rose on yet another day for you?  Probably not. 
 
Maybe you were.  Maybe you are of such a certain age that you take every day as if it could be your last.  When you were younger that was not the case.  You woke up as if it was no big deal.  You jumped up ready to start the day.  Now it takes a bit longer and at least a cup of coffee to get you going.  Instead of exclaiming "Good morning Lord!"  You are groaning, "Good Lord, morning." 
 
I want to exclaim to you that in either case, whether you are looking forward to the day or dreading it, the Lord will sustain you!  He is the one who allows you to lay down to sleep, and as much as you may set an alarm clock, he is the one who allows you to get up for yet another morning. 
 
He sustains your life!  Oh, what peace that gives me!  It makes me to truly understand that my life is in God's hands.  That peace that passes all understanding comes from God.   The food, clothes, house, home, wife, children and all that I have to support this body and life comes from God because He loves me and wants me to be alive. 
 
He also sustains my spiritual life.  he sustains it with his Word and Sacraments.  He sustains it with the spiritual food of the Lord's Supper.  He feeds me with his comforting and loving word.  He washes me with his water and word in baptism.  He gives me a fellowship of believers called St. John's Lutheran church.  He alone sustains me, and for that I will be eternally grateful!
 
I urge you to realize more and more that your whole life hinges on the love of God, especially your eternal life!  Live solely in the love of God and in him you will have true and lasting peace!
 
Prayer: Lord, thank you for sustaining me on this earth, and when your will is for me to leave this earth, thank you for sustaining me eternally in heaven with you.  Amen.
 
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:    Who was the first person that Jesus appeared to after his resurrection?  Mary Magdalen

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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Shimei?

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CALENDAR: 

Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15; FAMILY NIGHT 6-7pm

Tues- Quilting 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15

Wed- Ladies Aid noon; NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Thurs- Praise band 6pm

Fri- Jr/Sr Hi Lock in 7pm; Bible study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- Lock-in ends at 7am; LWML Zone Rally All Day; Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Elder's meeting noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- Gus Klaustermeier; 11- Isabella Linstruth
Ushers-  Don Hancce, Rich Boeger, Don Tate, Doug Walters
Altar- Set up- Terry McKenzie; Clean up- Pam Linke
Communion Assistants- Sat- Steve Mc Dowell; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Lay readers- 8:30- Roy Bohning 11- Kailyn Blechle
Organist: Melissa Pedersen

Pianist- Kathy Barrow
Projectionists: Sat- Pam Bueltmann; 8:30- Julie Schaumberg; 11- Terry McKenzie
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NEWS: 

 

FAITH, FOOD, AND FAMILY NIGHT IS TONIGHT AND EVERY MONDAY NIGHT at 6PM!!

 

This past Monday was pretty low attendance as was expected being the day after Easter and all.   Let's get it built back up and make it the wonderful thing it can be for our church! 

 

Please join us!  We want to play the Feud with you!   This coming Monday is pizza night so bring your favorite pizza to share!!

 

It is harmless and painless.  We are usually out and on our way home by 7:15!!

 

We want you to grow in your faith and all of us to grow together as a church family!  Please try to be there!

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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE Penitentiary LEAVES AT 7:45!!!!  Please be on time!
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6-12 GRADE LOCK IN THIS FRIDAY-SATURDAY 7pm-7am!!

We'll start off with a movie at the theater and then spend the rest of the night in fun and games!  We will play Minute to Win It! and enjoy some pizza and other junk food! 

 

We need some chaperones please! 

 

Let Kelsey know if you can chaperone, even if it is just for a little while, if you are youth who is coming, and how many friends you are going to bring.  573-803-7826

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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!

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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!! 

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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!! 

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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.

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$5 MOVIE COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE MOVIE "Do You Believe" playing at Warrenton 8 Cinema right now. 

Coupons are on the table in the narthex.  Feel free to take as many as you need.

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DID YOU HAVE FUN WITH THE TRAVELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP THIS PAST SATURDAY? 

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. 

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NINTH ANNUAL TAILGATE SALE AND VENDOR FAIR WILL BE ON SATURDAY, MAY 2!! 

Tailgate sale starts at 7am and inside vendors will open at 8am and continue till 3pm.  The Ladies Aid will hold their luncheon and bake sale from 8am-3pm as well.  We are looking for vendors for indoor booths at $25 a stall and tailgaters to rent spaces outside at $10 a double parking space. There will also be PREMIUM rental space under the pavilion.  Rent the entire pavilion for $75 or we will divide into four spaces for $20 each. 

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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.

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FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET NEEDS TO GET FILLED UP!!!  We have no one signed up till May 16!!  Please sign up!
Apr 19- 
Apr. 26-

May 3-

May 10-

May 17-

May 24-

May 31-

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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.
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DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD?  ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop. 
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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.

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PRAYER REQUESTS:

For CAROL KOHRS who is hospitalized after surgery to remove a blockage near her gall bladder.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE who is hospitalized with complications due to her chemo treatment.  Even though her cancer is in remission she still has to do treatment for another year and a  half.

 

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. .
  

The Lutheran Hour: April 12, 2015

Sermon Text for April 12, 2015  "God Always Shows Up" #82-32 Presented on The Lutheran Hour on April 12, 2015 By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker (How Is God Present In My Life?) Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries     Text: John 20:19-38 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:30-31). Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Amen.  A few years ago in a city in southern Brazil, the family of a Brazilian bricklayer was summoned to the coroner's office. The bricklayer, Mr. Goncalves, was in a fatal car accident and the family was being asked to identify his body. They could only recognize him by the clothing that he wore. The severity of the collision made any other identification method impossible. According to custom, the next day the man's funeral was scheduled to take place. As the family gathered in tears at the cemetery, something completely unexpected happened. Mr. Goncalves showed up at his own funeral! Apparently, Mr. Goncalves was somewhere else when the accident happened. He heard about his funeral on the day it was happening and he rushed to the cemetery to tell his family about the terrible mix up. He wasn't dead; he was very much alive! Can you imagine how they felt when he showed up? They were thrilled, they were overjoyed. Something similar started happening after Jesus' resurrection. Now here's the difference, there was no mistake, Jesus really died. There's plenty of proof for that. His enemies had to make up a story about the empty tomb saying His body had been stolen, because they were sure He was dead. Yes, He really died. He was placed in a tomb. The tomb was sealed and guarded. But Jesus showed up again. Early on the first Easter morning, angels rolled the stone away, and the Son of God, Jesus the Savior, emerged from the tomb alive. He had risen from the dead. The significance of Christ's resurrection was more than just a novelty news story. Peter, one of the first witnesses of Jesus' resurrection, he said it this way: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).  Jesus' resurrection changes everything. His defeat of death, the greatest obstacle you and I face allows us to have a new life, a second chance, a new birth into a living hope. Paul, another witness of the risen Christ, said it this way, "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of all those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). In Christ all shall be made alive. By faith in Him, failure, sin, sadness; it will not have the last word in your life. Jesus Himself promised it. He said: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, (He gave Himself) that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The whole Bible is a promise that is waiting to come to fruition in Jesus for you; and joy of all joys, Jesus showed up: born in a humble stable in Bethlehem, living a perfect life in your place, dying on the cross for your sins, and rising from the dead to give you the gift of life. Jesus showed up! After Jesus' death, His disciples experienced this miracle while they were locked up in a room, afraid for their lives. John, the youngest disciple of the Twelve, he told it this way: On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and He said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.....He said again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you" (John 20:18-23). The disciples were filled with doubt, but God showed up. It was Jesus, showing them proof positive that He had been crucified but He was now raised from the dead. The disciples were terrified, but God showed up. Jesus gave them the gift of His peace. The disciples felt empty-handed and powerless, but God showed up. The risen Savior sent them as forgiven ones to forgive, to engage the souls of other people in deep need. But that's just who God is. The Bible talks this way about God from the very beginning. He doesn't wait for sinners to get right with Him; He makes it right and He offers them the gift of life in His Name! That's God's specialty, He always shows up just when we need it most!  But let's be honest. Sometimes your wait seems too long and you wonder if God will truly come through to help you. Sometimes you feel locked away--helpless in grief, health struggles, failure, or depression. Sometimes you wonder if God is paying attention to you when it appears that He is delayed in coming to help and the burden you bear is too heavy for you. Sometimes you're just terrified and you feel empty-handed and powerless as you beg God to show up soon. Sometimes it seems that God has left you on your own. What do you do in those lonely moments?  Should you give up on God and go your own way? Should you let your emotion take over and lash out? Should you hurt yourself or others as you act out your anger? Should you plunge into despair or try to escape through self-indulgence? What can you do while you are waiting for God? God gives you some answers for your times of waiting. We hear that the disciples who witnessed Jesus' ascension and waited for the promise of the Holy Spirit, we hear that they "were devoting themselves to prayer" (Acts 1:14). As they waited, they prayed. As King David faced obstacles, and enemies, and hardships, he held onto the promise of eternal life and he walked in faith through his earthly struggles. He prayed with eager expectation as he said in Psalm 5:"For to you do I pray. O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and I watch" (Psalms 5:2-3). David watched for God because God shows up with mercy at the hour of our greatest need! In your lonely moments, God calls you to pray. "Call upon me in the day of trouble;" God says, "I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me" (Psalms 50:15). When you feel like God has abandoned you, He calls you even more to trust in His promises because He has been faithful to people in the past and He will be faithful into the future; for Jesus Himself promises you and for all who believe, "I am with you always, to the end even of the age" (Matthew 28:20). In fact, if you really think about it, God has never left you. Even right now, He is with you, inviting you to hear His voice in the words of the pages of His Scriptures. You can count on Him being there for you in His Word right now. Open the Bible; He's there when you need it most. In fact, He's always there waiting for you. Listen to this voice from God at this very moment. In Romans 8 it says it this way: "Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). God always shows up. He is present in His Word and sacraments, His gifts of grace. You may want to see your troubles disappear right now, and in heaven, in the new heavens and the new earth, they will. But, now, this side of heaven, even struggles can be used by God to draw us close to Him, to give us His strength as we rely on Him. It's a sad fact, but very often, with no struggles even, we tend to forget God and go our way. So, your struggles may remain for a time, but God always shows up. Your pain may continue for a moment--that's not unusual in this vale of tears, but God has come down in His Son Jesus for you. He is present. Even there, God shows up for you today to give you His hope. Perhaps God has shown up for you today to give you the gift of faith. To doubting Thomas, who was not there when Jesus first appeared to His other disciples on that first Easter Sunday evening, Jesus showed up again a week later to call him to faith. Mercifully, kindly, Jesus put Thomas' doubts to rest. Jesus even said, "To those who haven't seen, but believe," even more blessing for them, for you, for me! And then the Gospel writer John steps out of the moment to address you and me even more specifically, he said, "Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:30-31). I wonder, right now, if you feel that this message really is for you. I wonder if you realize that in this Word God is showing up in your life so that you will believe in Him and you will be saved. It's God's specialty. He loves you so much, He shows up personally and persistently to draw you to Himself. Look around in your life. You know it, God always shows up. And His grace and kindness are always better than you can ask for or imagine. And you know this is even happening for you right now. Just ask Noah and Elijah Ricafrente. You see, they discovered the thrill of the right person showing up in their lives. The brothers, ten and eight years old, they're avid football fans and they were really delighted when they got to go to the Eastern Carolina University football game with their Pop Warner team. Even better, they got to put their gear on; they got to try out their football skills on the field at halftime. What a great day it was for the Ricafrente brothers!  But something even better was about to happen. You see, Noah and Elijah's dad was a U.S. Marine deployed for the second time in Afghanistan. He had been gone for five months and wasn't expected home for another thirty days. While the boys were on the field, a video greeting from their dad played on the big screen. They never expected such a blessing from their dad, Gunnery Sergeant Josh Ricafrente. But that wasn't the end. Suddenly, Josh Ricafrente walked onto the field and he embraced his boys. The boys were shocked and the crowd went crazy. People in the stands were crying. Everyone was thrilled that the father of these boys showed up.  When the right person shows up, your life is changed. Just ask Noah. Just ask Elijah. But that also happened to an airline passenger on a flight from Florida to Dallas, they discovered it firsthand. The passenger was suddenly stricken with a heart attack, but Doctor DeCarlo Noble happened to be on the plane with his wife and three daughters. They were returning from a vacation. The doctor heard the cries for help from a family member. Dr. Noble climbed out of his seat, laid the passenger in the aisle and with the help of another passenger, started CPR chest compressions. The flight attendant brought him an automatic electronic defibrillator and he shocked the passenger's heart back to life. Twice the passenger flat-lined and the doctor resumed CPR and shocks to the heart. Suddenly the stricken passenger began breathing on his own. As the doctor helped bring the passenger back to life, the pilots had turned the plane around and made it back to the terminal. The passenger was met by an ambulance and rushed to the hospital. At the right time, in the right place, a doctor showed up just when he was needed. When the right person shows up, your life not only may be changed, it may be saved. Our text tells us that Jesus showed up in our world and He shows up in our life today to save your life and to change your life. His just-in-time death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave, it lets you stand up and cheer. That's for sure. The gifts of forgiveness of sin and eternal life in heaven they also give you a new lease on life. Even through your darkest hours you can have hope. Even when life seems to be sinking you, you can trust that God always shows up to lift you up. You may remember that we're coming up on the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. On April fourteenth and fifteenth, one hundred and three years ago, the ocean liner struck a massive iceberg and sank into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. I'm sure you know the story. An unchecked quest to set speed records across the Atlantic led to the tragic collision. Two hours and forty minutes after striking the ice, the "unsinkable" ship plunged beneath the surface of the ocean. Fifteen hundred lives were lost. Too few lifeboats were on hand. The evacuation was disorganized and chaotic. It was a tragedy on many levels and many lessons were learned that day.  One of the biggest lessons that was learned that day was that sinful human beings are failure-prone. The Titanic's "unsinkable" mechanical technology was flawed. The prideful mindset that sent the ship speeding through ice fields was unsound. The lack of response to the Titanic's trouble by ships close by was riddled with mistakes and misunderstanding. The Titanic went from indestructible to incapacitated; it went from heroic to helpless in just a matter of minutes.  The other lesson we learn is that failure-prone, sinful human beings need help. That's especially true when we're in trouble. And that happened that fateful day too. With the Titanic in trouble; the Carpathia heard the pleas and responded. The Carpathia was a passenger ship sailing from New York. It was fifty-eight miles away from the Titanic when it received the distress signals. Travelling at full steam, it took the Carpathia four hours to reach the site of the sunken vessel. It picked up all 705 survivors and took them back to New York City. The rescue ship was heroic, but later, even the Carpathia found itself in need too. Six years after its gallant rescue of the Titanic survivors, the Carpathia was torpedoed by a German submarine as World War I raged. Survivors scrambled into lifeboats as the ship went down. Lifeboats were filled with 275 passengers and crew. They needed rescue this time. A ship called Snowdrop showed up to drive away the submarine and rescue the survivors. You see how it works, don't you? We all need help. We all need rescue. We all need a Savior. And if you feel like you're sinking in the icy waters of life, Jesus shows up for you today. He is the risen and living Savior of the world.  And if you're celebrating the salvation He has given you, He sends you today, as His disciples, to bring the gift of new life to people in your life. You know it's true: a lot of people are sinking. They need Jesus to show up for them, we can be those people who bring the very good news that they, like us, need to hear over and over and over again! Every year at our Lenten services at Immanuel Lutheran in Brandon, Florida, we ended the Wednesday night prayer services with the hymn "Abide With Me." The words got you ready for the passion of Jesus, Good Friday and Easter morning because they proclaimed a Lord who always shows up, who always stays the course for those who need Him most. I can still hear my people from Immanuel singing these words...... Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. I need Your presence every passing hour. What but Your grace can foil the tempter's power? Who, like Yourself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me. Hold fast Your cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. And so He does, dear friend. He does for you, now and forever. Amen. LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for April 12, 2015 Topic: How Is God Present In My Life? ANNOUNCER: How is God present in our lives today? That will be our question today for Pastor Gregory Seltz. I'm Mark Eischer.  SELTZ: Great question. I think it's one that needs answering, Mark, especially as we face the rigors of our life. Life is filled with blessings and evidence of God's goodness, but I'll be the first to admit that life can be very hard. There is no way I can make it through life on my own either. ANNOUNCER: I agree. But, how is God present in our lives? SELTZ: What if I answer this way: God is with us both visibly and invisibly. ANNOUNCER: Okay. What do you mean? SELTZ: God has always been visibly present for His people. Remember about the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. An angel appears to Joseph and told him about the miraculous pregnancy of Mary and the Messiah she would bear. The angel gave Joseph instructions to name the baby "Jesus," which means "Savior." And then he says this, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (Matthew 1:22-23). Here's the point, "Immanuel means, God with us.  ANNOUNCER: That sounds like a great description for God.  SELTZ: It is, as long as you remember that this description applies to the person of Jesus Christ, not some generic understanding about God.  ANNOUNCER: But, wasn't God present with His people also before Jesus came in the flesh? SELTZ: He was, but Jesus was the culmination of that way, that way that God was always present in the lives of people! He walked personally with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He appeared to Abraham and spoke to him as he traveled to a new land. He guided the Children of Israel through the wilderness in the form of a pillar cloud or a pillar of fire. His real presence was the smoke that filled the tabernacle and temple. God has always been with His beloved people in a visible way. ANNOUNCER: Okay. That was then, but what about today? People still want to encounter God. They still want to know that He's close and present. SELTZ: And He is, too. In fact, one of the most profound ways God is present is through His Word and His gifts called the sacraments. The Bible is not a rule book per se; it is a book of the powerful words of God, the presence of God. The gift of the Lord's Supper is like that too. Jesus gave the gift of His real presence to His disciples as He prepared to die, rise, and ascend into heaven.  ANNOUNCER: Because He wanted them to know He would never leave them alone. SELTZ: Well put. When Jesus says about the bread, "This is my body," or about the wine, "This is my blood," He is miraculously present in Holy Communion with the believer. It is a real-time, here-and-now connection with our ever-present God.  ANNOUNCER: Now how is reading the Bible like receiving the Lord's Supper? SELTZ: Think of it this way. We can receive the Word of God, Jesus, as we receive and hear and read the words of God, the Bible. We can read what He says to us. His Word is living and active. It's much more than just a book. The Bible is God's truth, His forgiving presence that permeates our souls. ANNOUNCER: How else is God visibly present? SELTZ: He is present in us, too, as we receive His Spirit-filled gifts by faith! Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit to give us faith and to dwell within us always. He even makes our physical bodies, the bodies of believers, His holy dwelling place. As St. Paul says in Corinthians, "Don't you know your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (6:19)  ANNOUNCER: What does that mean for the church? SELTZ: It also means when two or three are faithfully gathered around His gifts, the Word and sacrament, Christ is there. He is present, but in a way too, then, there is a real flesh and blood presence of Jesus through His church. In fact, that is why the church is often called the body of Christ.  ANNOUNCER: Now what about God's invisible presence. SELTZ: Think of it this way, Jesus also gifts us with His Spirit and He promises us, "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). God's promise is clear: we do not walk through life alone ever. Through faith in Him, His promise, there is never a time when God forgets about us or abandons us. Because He loves us, God stays close to us at all times. He hears our prayers; He leads and guides us; He gives us strength and wisdom. We can trust the fullness of His promise of His real presence-both visible and invisible. ANNOUNCER: And we can be certain that He's active and present in our lives because Christ is risen.  SELTZ: He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!  ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Seltz. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Music Selections for this program: "A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission. "With High Delight" arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission. "The Day of Resurrection" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)   Print this sermon Sign up for LHM news Daily Devotions Visit lutheranhour.org Change my email Contact Us   subscribe / unsubscribe / sign-up for plain text / visit our website   660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141 1-800-876-9880 www.lhm.org

Pastor needs a good tent for his bike trip across Missouri

Hey everyone,
 
I need some help.  Throughout the week that I am biking across Missouri I am going to be camping at the end of each day.  The tent that I have is no good, as I found out during a thunderstorm on my trip across Kansas last year.  I was wondering if any of you have a waterproof and sturdy, two or three person tent that I could use June 21-26.  I just need something that I know will keep me dry.  If you have one I could stand up in that would be fantastic too.  The good ones I have found cost $200-$300. 
 
The other option I have is called Bubba's Pampered Pedallers.  It is a service that provides a tent, towel service, snacks and drinks, and a place to charge your phone and other electronics.  The trouble with this service is that it is $380 for the week, and I'm not going to spend that kind of money when I am doing this to raise money for Lead a Child. 
 
Anyways, if anyone has a good (proven to keep dry) tent and would be willing to lend it to me for the week that would be a tremendous help. 
 
 
Thank you!
Pastor