Daily Email: Tuesday, April 26, 2016

 
DEVOTION:  Acts 16:9-15  English Standard Version (ESV)
⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." ¹⁰ And when Paul^[a] had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
 
"The Conversion of Lydia"
¹¹ So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, ¹² and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the^[b] district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. ¹³ And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. ¹⁴ One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. ¹⁵ And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.
 
When God tells you to do something you better just do it.  Of course, you better make sure that it is God telling you to do it and not someone else, like Satan.  How can you tell?  You can tell by knowing the Scriptures and comparing them to what God has put on your heart. 
 
Does God speak to you?  Of course he does!  How do you think I became a pastor at St. John's?  The Lord caused the voters of St. John's to seek a candidate from the seminary and through a process we call the "call process" he moved St. John's to call me and moved me to accept the call.  He was working in and through both of us. 
 
I'm sure Paul had his hesitations.  Macedonia wasn't really the best place for a Jewish man to go.  It was, in essence, enemy territory as far as he was concerned.  Yet, God made the people favorable and open to the Gospel and a very prominent woman in the very prominent city of Philippi became a Christian there. 
 
To tell you the truth, Warrenton wasn't even on my radar when I was thinking about where I'd like to go as a pastor.  Karin and I wanted to stay close to at least one set of grandparents, but we were honestly thinking somewhere in the city or in a close suburb of St. Louis.  I told the placement director that I'd be open to being an associate pastor and Warrenton was the place the Lord decided that we should go.  Almost 15 years later we are still here.  This is our home, and St. John's is our family.  If God ever calls us to another congregation and makes it known to us that it is where we should be, then who am I to go against God's will?
 
What is God calling you to do today? Is it going to talk to that family member so that you may be reconciled with each other?  Is it going to the seminary to be a pastor?  Is it going to a Lutheran college to become a Lutheran teacher or DCE or deacon/deaconess?  Is it getting back in to church after being absent for a long time?  Is it just studying the Scriptures more often? 
 
Whatever it is, study God's Word to find out if it is truly God's Word, and ASK YOUR PASTOR to give you guidance and pray for and with you!  He has spent years studying God's Word to know what His will is and to guide His people in God's Word!  In all of this know that God is with you, He loves you, and He will make everything work out for your good!
 
Prayer: Lord, bless us and keep us as we make decisions and move in our lives according to your will.  Help us to always seek Your will and listen when You call.  Amen.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilting 9-2; FIREARMS SAFETY TRAINING FOR EVERYONE 7-9pm
Wed- Worship at Oak Pointe 10am
Thurs- Lutheranism 101 7pm
Sat-  Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Bible Study 9:45; Worship 11
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Kalene Masters    11- Lydia Miller

Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher and Brent Davis

Altar-  Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up- Pam Linke

Elders-  Sat--  Charlie Figura;  8:30- Don Turnure;  11- Dave Winter
 
Greeters-  8:30- Tom and Pam Linke;  11- Mike and Naomi Johnson

Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier  8:30- Erv Yoder; 10- Sandy Robine

Organist- Rachel Fisher 
 
Sat and Sun Piano- Molly Hendershot

Projectionists:  Sat- Toni Mauch; 8:30- Julie Schaumberg   11- Gus Klaustermeier
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S  BIBLE QUIZ:      What is your favorite Psalm and why?

Mine is Psalm 22, because it shows definitively that the Old Testament was all pointing to Jesus.

_____________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ:  Name a Psalm that will give you comfort after you have sinned and have received God's grace.

___________________________________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE TO KICK OFF OUR NEWLY ESTABLISHED GUN CLUB TONIGHT, 7-9PM!!

If you are a seasoned veteran when it comes to guns this will be a good review for you, and you can even give your input!

If you are new to firearms, a novice, or like me haven't touched a firearm in years you can learn or relearn everything you forgot.

 

Jason Cluver and Paul Brockfeld will be leading it.

 

Come and join us!  Refreshments will be provided!

____________________________________________________________________

THERE ARE NOW TWO TUBS IN THE NARTHEX.  ONE IS FOR OPERATION BACKAPCK AND THE OTHER IS FOR AGAPE!!

Keep bringing the monthly stuff for Operation Backpack.  (This month it is soup and ramen noodles.)

 

Bring stuff for Agape  canned and boxed food of all sorts, toiletries (toilet paper, diapers, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

bring perishable items (meat, milk, eggs, etc.)directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. Warrenton

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

WE ARE IN NEED OF A NEW LAWN MAINTENANCE PERSON/COMPANY

If you or someone you know is able to do this and would like to donate your time and machines to this necessary work, please let us know asap.  We are also seeking bids from lawn care companies and individuals if you know of someone who would be good and reliable.  456-2888.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

LUTHERANISM 101 THIS THURSDAY AT 7pm!!

 Come and join us for lively discussion and lots of learning!  Refreshments will be provided!

_________________________________________________________________________

COMPLIMENTARY PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON COUNTER IN THE NARTHEX!!

If you didn't order any other pictures, your complimentary picture is on the counter n the narthex.  Come and get it!  If you ordered pics, yours came or will come in the mail. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

LADIES AID AND PALS MEMBERS PLEASE MAKE BAKED GOOD FOR THE BAKE SALE ON MAY 7!!

Please remember that we have a bake sale table at the vendor fair and flea market on May 7.  Please bring them the day before or the morning of the bake sale.   We need LOTS of baked goods to sell!!  Thanks in advance for participating!!!

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Order some Avon "Skin So Soft"  from Little Lambs to help them raise money for new playground equipment!  Call Karin at 314-691-7283 to place your order!

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

INSIDE SPACES ARE SOLD OUT!!

 

 
 
Join us as a vendor inside, have a tag sale on the parking lot, or craft items for sale. Outside spaces are available for $10 for a double parking spot.

 

There will be a sale under the pavilion if you would like to donate items. The youth will be raising money for their National Youth Gathering trip under the pavilion and at the concession stand.

 

St. John's Lutheran Church, 950 S Hwy 47 in Warrenton. Please call the church office for more info. 636-456-2888.

Vendor spots are being held for: Tupperware, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, 18" doll clothes by PJ'S Patterns, Perfectly Posh, Paparazzi, Damsel in Distress, It Works Global, Mary Kay, Norwex, Tastefully Simple, Pink Zebra, Lilla Rose, Usborne Books & More, Cindy Rust handmade Jewelry, Avon, Park Lane, scroll saw art, Young Living Essential oils, Amy Flores Handmade Jewelry and custom / personalized key chains. More to come...

 

 

THE QUILTERS WILL ALSO BE RAFFLING OFF THE QUILT THAT IS HANGING DOWNSTAIRS!!   

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS DAILY EMAIL?

If you know of someone who isn't currently receiving my daily emails but would like to, please reply to this email with their email address and I will add them to the list.  THANK YOU!

_____________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK FOR APRIL IS CANNED SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES

 

(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)

___________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYERS:

For BETH a daughter of a friend of the Fosters, who was in a very severe bicycle accident  and has broken ribs, and punctured lung and a broken shoulder.

 

For MY MOM, DEBBY KLAUSTERMEIER, who is recovering from hip replacement surgery.  Everything went very smoothly yesterday.

 

For FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DESTINY GLEASON, an 8th grader from BHMS, who died yesterday.

 

For LARRY AND LIBBY PAILER as they have finally sold their house and moved back into St. Louis this past Saturday.

 

For TERESA BROCKFELD AND HER FAMILY as they mourn the death of her brother.

 

For BRIAN MC LAUGHLIN who is recovering from very complicated and serious surgery.

 

For DON BRAZEE who is hospitalized with a possible blood clot in his leg. 

 

For CAROL BRAZEE who is struggling with severe bronchitis and is seeing a pulmonologist today.

 

For LYNN FIGURA who is recovering from knee replacement surgery at home and is doing great.

 

For LOIS FRICK who fell and fractured her back last week and is going for an MRI today.

 

For EVELYN TOEDEBUSCH, Lois Boeger's mom, who is dealing with severe back pain and has been moved to a rehab nursing home. .

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.

 

--

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Little Lambs Avon fundraiser

 Little Lambs is selling some Avon "Skin So Soft" bug repellant products to raise funds for their playground equipment.  Attached is the flyer for it.  Call Karin 314-691-7283 if you want to order!

Little Lambs wants to add to their playground. Can you help?

Little Lambs wants to add items to our playground.  Attached is the link to follow to see our selections.  Donations and honorariums are accepted and very much appreciated .

 

https://m.facebook.com/groups/450027745038171?view=permalink&id=1162572933783645

 

 

 

 

Daily Email: Monday, April 25, 2016

DEVOTION:  Psalm 67     English Standard Version (ESV)"To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song."

67 May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
² that your way may be known on earth,
    your saving power among all nations.
³ Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

⁴ Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
⁵ Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

⁶ The earth has yielded its increase;
    God, our God, shall bless us.
⁷ God shall bless us;
    let all the ends of the earth fear him!

 
"Let all the peoples praise you, O God."   This should be our prayer every day and it should start with us.  It is said that people will remember a whole lot more about what we do that what we say.  If our words are praises, but our hearts and actions aren't, what do you think others will remember?  What do you think they will think about you?  Will they want to emulate you?
 
And why should we praise God?  Should we praise him out of a sense of duty and obligation, or because of His great love and mercy for us?  Of course it is the latter.  We should praise, honor, and worship God for what He has done for us!
 
Today might be a good day to stop thinking about yourself and to start thinking about a God who loves you, forgives you, and gives you eternal life.  Once you get that in the right order, then everything else falls into place.  You will freely worship and praise God for what he has done.  It won't be a chore or an obligation.  Today is a good day to meditate on what God has done for you so that you can be grateful and so that the Holy Spirit can use both your word and your actions for His work!
 
Today is a good day to PRAISE THE LORD, FOR CHRIST IS RISEN!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!
 
Let us pray:  May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.  Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you!  Amen

__________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Mon- NO FAMILY NIGHT
Tues- Quilting 9-2; FIREARMS SAFETY TRAINING FOR EVERYONE 7-9pm
Wed- Worship at Oak Pointe 10am
Thurs- Lutheranism 101 7pm
Sat-  Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Bible Study 9:45; Worship 11
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Kalene Masters    11- Lydia Miller

Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher and Brent Davis

Altar-  Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up- Pam Linke

Elders-  Sat--  Charlie Figura;  8:30- Don Turnure;  11- Dave Winter
 
Greeters-  8:30- Tom and Pam Linke;  11- Mike and Naomi Johnson

Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier  8:30- Erv Yoder; 10- Sandy Robine

Organist- Rachel Fisher 
 
Sat and Sun Piano- Molly Hendershot

Projectionists:  Sat- Toni Mauch; 8:30- Julie Schaumberg   11- Gus Klaustermeier
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S  BIBLE QUIZ:     Who was the director of music when David wrote the Psalms?

 

From Pat King:

Okay, you want a ONE word answer? Well, here you go, cupcake: Asaph.

 

And who was Asaph, the nosey among you may ask? Well, here's an answer (not ONE word though):

A Levite; one of the leaders of David's choir (1 Chronicles 6:39 ). Psalms 50 and 73-83 inclusive are attributed to him. He is mentioned along with David as skilled in music, and a "seer" ( 2 Chronicles 29:30 ). The "sons of Asaph," mentioned in 1 Chronicles 20:14 , and Ezra 2:41 , were his descendants, or more probably a class of poets or singers who recognized him as their master.

 

If you guys go to the Hebrew site in the link, there's a short video about him.

http://eteacherbiblical.com/questions-of-the-week/who-asaph

____________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ:  What is your favorite Psalm and why?

_____________________________________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE TO KICK OFF OUR NEWLY ESTABLISHED GUN CLUB ON TUESDAY, 7-9PM!!

If you are a seasoned veteran when it comes to guns this will be a good review for you, and you can even give your input!

If you are new to firearms, a novice, or like me haven't touched a firearm in years you can learn or relearn everything you forgot.

 

Jason Cluver and Paul Brockfeld will be leading it.

 

Come and join us!  Refreshments will be provided!

____________________________________________________________________

THERE ARE NOW TWO TUBS IN THE NARTHEX.  ONE IS FOR OPERATION BACKAPCK AND THE OTHER IS FOR AGAPE!!

Keep bringing the monthly stuff for Operation Backpack.  (This month it is soup and ramen noodles.)

 

Bring stuff for Agape  canned and boxed food of all sorts, toiletries (toilet paper, diapers, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

bring perishable items (meat, milk, eggs, etc.)directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. Warrenton

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

WE ARE IN NEED OF A NEW LAWN MAINTENANCE PERSON/COMPANY

If you or someone you know is able to do this and would like to donate your time and machines to this necessary work, please let us know asap.  We are also seeking bids from lawn care companies and individuals if you know of someone who would be good and reliable.  456-2888.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

LUTHERANISM 101 THIS THURSDAY AT 7pm!!

 Come and join us for lively discussion and lots of learning!  Refreshments will be provided!

_________________________________________________________________________

COMPLIMENTARY PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON COUNTER IN THE NARTHEX!!

If you didn't order any other pictures, your complimentary picture is on the counter n the narthex.  Come and get it!  If you ordered pics, yours came or will come in the mail. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

LADIES AID AND PALS MEMBERS PLEASE MAKE BAKED GOOD FOR THE BAKE SALE ON MAY 7!!

Please remember that we have a bake sale table at the vendor fair and flea market on May 7.  Please bring them the day before or the morning of the bake sale.   We need LOTS of baked goods to sell!!  Thanks in advance for participating!!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

INSIDE SPACES ARE SOLD OUT!!

 

 
 
Join us as a vendor inside, have a tag sale on the parking lot, or craft items for sale. Outside spaces are available for $10 for a double parking spot.

 

There will be a sale under the pavilion if you would like to donate items. The youth will be raising money for their National Youth Gathering trip under the pavilion and at the concession stand.

 

St. John's Lutheran Church, 950 S Hwy 47 in Warrenton. Please call the church office for more info. 636-456-2888.

Vendor spots are being held for: Tupperware, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, 18" doll clothes by PJ'S Patterns, Perfectly Posh, Paparazzi, Damsel in Distress, It Works Global, Mary Kay, Norwex, Tastefully Simple, Pink Zebra, Lilla Rose, Usborne Books & More, Cindy Rust handmade Jewelry, Avon, Park Lane, scroll saw art, Young Living Essential oils, Amy Flores Handmade Jewelry and custom / personalized key chains. More to come...

 

 

THE QUILTERS WILL ALSO BE RAFFLING OFF THE QUILT THAT IS HANGING DOWNSTAIRS!!   

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS DAILY EMAIL?

If you know of someone who isn't currently receiving my daily emails but would like to, please reply to this email with their email address and I will add them to the list.  THANK YOU!

_____________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK FOR APRIL IS CANNED SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES

 

(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)

___________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYERS:

For MY MOM, DEBBY KLAUSTERMEIER, who is having hip replacement surgery today.

 

For FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DESTINY GLEASON, an 8th grader from BHMS, who died yesterday.

 

For LARRY AND LIBBY PAILER as they have finally sold their house and moved back into St. Louis this past Saturday.

 

For TERESA BROCKFELD AND HER FAMILY as they mourn the death of her brother.

 

For BRIAN MC LAUGHLIN who is recovering from very complicated and serious surgery.

 

For DON BRAZEE who is hospitalized with a possible blood clot in his leg. 

 

For CAROL BRAZEE who is struggling with severe bronchitis and is seeing a pulmonologist today.

 

For LYNN FIGURA who is recovering from knee replacement surgery at home and is doing great.

 

For LOIS FRICK who fell and fractured her back last week and is going for an MRI today.

 

For EVELYN TOEDEBUSCH, Lois Boeger's mom, who is dealing with severe back pain and has been moved to a rehab nursing home. .

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.

 

--

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: April 24, 2016 "One-upmanship"

Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S®4 Active™, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

-------- Original message --------
From: Lutheran Hour Ministries <lh_min@lhm.org>
Date: 04/23/2016 9:16 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: Jeremy Klaustermeier <revklaus@hotmail.com>
Subject: The Lutheran Hour: April 24, 2016 "One-upmanship"

Sermon Text for April 24, 2016  "One-upmanship" #83-34 Presented on The Lutheran Hour on April 24, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour Copyright 2016 Lutheran Hour Ministries     Text: Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ... 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."  Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! By God's grace and the Savior's sacrifice the time is coming when there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Today the invitation into our family of faith is open to all. By the Holy Spirit's power, may you believe in the risen Redeemer and join us in that place where there is no more sin and sorrow. Grant this, Lord to us all. Amen.  The other day I sat at a lunch table which held eight people. I was the only and obviously outnumbered man. Normally that would not be a problem; indeed, there are many times I would have enjoyed the experience, but not this time. If the Supreme Court hasn't ruled it cruel and unusual punishment and the Geneva Convention hasn't outlawed it as a crime against humanity, both groups are derelict in their duties. At great personal risk to my psychological well-being I am going to share some of those incredibly painful moments.  The conversation began innocently enough when one of the ladies matter-of-factly stated, "Last month my daughter had her twins. All-in-all things went pretty well." With those words the other six ladies sat up straight; their eyes showed a peculiar glint and a flush came to their cheeks. The words of the first lady were immediately countered by, "I wish my daughter could say the same. She gained thirty pounds with her first child." The opening offering of thirty pounds quickly escalated to 35, 40, 50, and 72 pounds. The winning bid was 90.  Without missing a beat, the conversation gravitated to delivery times. There were only chuckles at the table when one lady ventured, "I had seven hours of hard labor." Seven hours was pushed to the side by 9 hours, 12, and 18. A day-and-a-half eventually closed the bidding. The same process was repeated in regard to levels of pain; number of stitches, terrible hospital food, poorly chosen gifts, and amount of blood lost.  That painful experience was what we call one-upmanship. One-upmanship pretty much permeates our thinking. Indeed, not even death manages to escape one-upmanship. Christians recognize that St. Paul wrote, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain...My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (Philippians 1:21, 23b). In principle, we agree with those words... but practically, we sometimes seem to be a bit reluctant to accept them completely. True, we might be willing to acknowledge how a fellow like Paul who has been beaten, whipped, imprisoned, stoned, and shipwrecked might be ready to depart this life, but for us, we prefer to postpone our departure to that time when we have our bucket list finished.  If you doubt what I am saying, think upon the words of old Simeon who was in the temple when the Infant Jesus was presented to the Lord. Simeon said "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:  For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people..." (Luke 2:29-32 KJV). Having seen Jesus, God's Son Who had been born into this world to fulfill the Commandments we have broken; Who resisted every temptation placed in front of Him; Who carried all the sins of all of us to the cross, Simeon was ready to die. Having held God's Son Who would be crucified and then, on the third day rise from the grave and thereby show to all the world the work of rescuing us had been completed, old Simeon says he is ready to depart. Now, my question is, "How old does the Bible say old Simeon was?" Well, if you don't have an answer, you are correct. The Bible doesn't say how old, old Simeon was. In fact, nowhere does it imply that old Simeon was old. Truth is Simeon could have been a young man of 25. We just assume he was an old man because he says he is ready to die.  For most believers, heaven is, as O.A. Lambert wrote in the catchy children's song: "a wonderful place, Filled with glory and grace. I wanna see my Savior's face, 'Cause Heaven is a wonderful place." Yes, we want to see Jesus in heaven... someday. But many of us are in no rush. And to me, that's surprising. 1 Corinthians 2 describes heaven this way: "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, (is) what God has prepared for those who love him." In John 14 the Savior says He has prepared a room in heaven for all who faithfully follow Him. Now you know with Jesus being the Architect of those rooms, they have to be good.  From Genesis through Revelation, Scripture is plain: God's gift of heaven is a wonderful thing and we should be as eager to get there as we are to go to our favorite vacation spot or our special restaurant. But, having presided at many funerals and having attended many more; that eagerness and joy doesn't always seem to be there. It often feels like people are ready to go to heaven when they're done doing everything else. They're ready to go as a last resort. Only when someone has been in pain or outlived friends and family are we ready to say a reluctant earthly "goodbye." That's why our words of comfort at a wake are often a somber, "Well, at least their pain is at an end," or "They're at peace now."  Now I think there is a reason for that, and that reason is: the Christian heaven has had a lot of bad press. For the last 100 years or so, most every cartoon, movie, and newspaper artist has shown heaven in three or four ways. The first way shows getting in to heaven as being something like taking the college SAT or ACT tests. You go up to a big desk and the fellow behind the desk, usually St. Peter, has a thick file in front of him. He looks over that file, a file containing the things you have done right and wrong, he sighs, and says, "Well, I'm going to have to ask you some questions before you can go through these pearly gates."  The second view of heaven shows the dearly departed with a long gown, a set of wings, a halo, and a harp. More often than not the newly promoted "angel" has been assigned a cloud where he is supposed to strum his harp for all eternity. Now that picture has so many errors it's almost impossible to cover them in this short message. First, believers who are dead don't become "angels." Angels were created, humans were made. God's angels no longer can sin; human beings make a practice of it.  Our souls don't switch from human to angel when we die. God made us to live in the physical world He has made for us and on Judgment Day He will bring into being a new earth which will be as different from ours as day is from night as bad is from good. Nor does the Bible say we get a cloud, some wings, or a harp. Understand, I like clouds, but I don't want to sit on one for eternity. I appreciate harp music as much as the next man, but I would no more want to hear harp music for eternity than I would want to listen to shopping mall Christmas music.  The third commonly accepted picture of heaven is that of a host of people waving palm branches and singing hymns. Now it is true that heaven is going to be filled with appreciation for the Lord Who sent His Son to save us and it will be marked by unending gratitude for the sacrifice the Savior made to save a sinful world. Still, as much as I enjoy singing hymns, heaven probably is not going to be limited to four-part harmonies of the "Hallelujah Chorus." Remember, heaven is what no eye has seen or mind has imagined.  The last version of the new heaven and earth that we hear about is a most peculiar one. There we are supposed to be cookie-cutter clones who have no individual personality, interests, or imagination. In this place, along with our halos and harps, we are supposed to be given some kind of amnesia. This amnesia stops us from recognizing each other; it doesn't allow us to remember our lives, our friends, our family, our pets, or anything else which happened to us while we were alive. Look hard, you won't find any of that in the Bible.  Listen to part of our text which is appointed to be read in churches today. The Lord says: "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Now there are a number of things which are notable about this description of heaven taken from the book of Revelation. The first is that God is dwelling with His people. He is going to be smack dab at the heart, core, and center of all we do, think, and say. In and of itself that is a wonderful and dramatic change from this world which is filled with all kinds of second rate stuff. The Lord Who has always wanted nothing but the best for His people will make sure the best is what we get. There will be no more second-rate politicians saying, "Trust me, I can save you." There won't be any more commercial products which promise they can 'raise our standard of living' when, in truth, they merely raise 'our standard of longing,' In this new, perfect communion with God, we will for the first time, experience life the way it was supposed to be: that is perfect, without fault, flaw, or failing.  But there's still more... the text says God will: "wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore." Did you ever notice how the Lord describes this new heaven and earth? He does so by saying what won't be there. That's because, from the moment we are born until the moment we die, with only the occasional relief and bit of respite, life is marked by sorrow and sadness, pain and problems. If you doubt me, you just go out and say, "Boy, this has been a lousy day." Just as often as not, someone will reply with a one-upmanship statement like "You think your day was bad, well you don't know what a terrible day is. Let me tell you about mine." Tragically they probably can do it. That's because, from the time Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, this world has been tainted by transgressions and enslaved by sin. While it is true that Jesus gives believers in this world some respite and hope from the crushing burdens life brings, in this new heaven and earth everything will be permanently changed.  This new heaven and earth is beyond our comprehension, but we can be sure that it will be more beautiful than we can imagine; it will rectify our problems and it will be greater than our most profound longings. For the first time since God declared His creation "very good" things will be very good and His children will be immersed in righteousness and rightness. Do you understand what that means; the impact of what God is doing? If not, think back on your life.  Think back on all your hopes which were shattered by some cruel twist of fate or some crueler individual. Remember the loneliness you felt and the many sorrows and shortcomings you've endured. Were you mistreated by a boss; maligned by a teacher, a friend, your spouse? These things will be gone. Were you unfairly accused; punished without cause, or slandered by a lying tongue? Were you robbed of your savings, your good name, your good intentions? Whatever has been endured; whatever has been suffered; whatever crosses have been carried, these will be made right. They will be made right not through revenge, retaliation, or retribution. They will be made right because such things cannot exist in such a perfect place. As our passage says, "The former things have passed away."  But I am still not done. The physical and mental sicknesses we have endured in this world will no longer plague us. The infirmities and limitations of age will no longer be a burden. In Christ we will be given a new and eternal home, but these old things, the product of sin things, will not be given a home in us. Can you not see it; can you not imagine it? For the first time in your life things will be as they should be The rivers and streams of this new earth will flow and not be polluted, the air will not be befouled by chemicals, and the land will not suffer through drought or flood nor will it be unproductive. Things will once again be as God intended them to be when He first set out to make the heavens and the earth.  This is the place Jesus has promised to His faithful people. Truly it is beyond imagination or mental appreciation. If that is what you are thinking, let me try to make it easy by sharing an idea with you, as a wise, old country preacher once shared it with me. He said, "Ken, I want you to imagine the best day you ever had in this world. It may be a birthday, or when you got married, or when your children were born. It may be when you went fishing and the fish were biting. No matter what day it was, it has to be the best you ever experienced. Now with that day in mind, think of this: the worst day you will ever have in heaven..," (and yes, I know there won't be a worst day in heaven, but the point is still sound,) "the worst day in heaven is going to be a hundred-million times better than the best day you had on earth." At the beginning of this message I spoke of one-upmanship. Today I have described the heaven which awaits those who believe on the Savior. It is a perfect place. Now, if you are an unbeliever, you may try to say something which is one-downmanship... that is making fun of what Christians believe. Please don't do that. Your words will not change what we believe. Instead, I would ask you to consider the Lord's invitation which says Jesus has a place prepared for you. If death frightens you and what happens after you breathe your last scares you, please let us introduce you to the Savior Who has created a place where your sins, your sorrows, your pains, hurts, and tears will be no more. To that end, I extend this invitation: please, call us at The Lutheran Hour. Amen. LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for April 24, 2016 Topic: Future Problems  ANNOUNCER: Once again, here is our Speaker Emeritus, Pastor Ken Klaus. I'm Mark Eischer. KLAUS: And always a joy to be with you and the Lutheran Hour listeners, Mark. ANNOUNCER: Pastor Klaus, today I think we have a question that's a bit different from others we've covered in this segment in the past.  KLAUS: That's hard to believe.  ANNOUNCER: I know, but it is unique because it is so open-ended. The question is what do you think will be the greatest challenges facing the Christian Church over the next twenty years? KLAUS: So you want me to dust off the old, crystal ball and try to get a glimpse into the future? ANNOUNCER: That pretty well sums it up. What challenges do you see coming in the years ahead? KLAUS: I appreciate the challenge, but I'm sure I'm going to miss a lot of things. Okay, here's my list. Around the world I see national religions and political systems singling out and persecuting Christians. Within two decades, I am fairly sure Christianity is going to be wiped out in the Middle East. Prejudice, persecution, political punishments will be used to force people to renounce their faith if they wish to stay or force them to move to another country. ANNOUNCER: And from what we've seen in the news, I can certainly understand persecution being the first thing that comes to mind. Other things we might need to be aware of happening around the world?  KLAUS: Mark, there are places in the world where many Christians are being forced to give up their faith... but there are just as many places where Churches are giving up traditional and Biblical doctrines, all on their own. ANNOUNCER: You're saying they do this voluntarily, without any pressure? KLAUS: Well there is pressure, but it comes in a far more subtle form. ANNOUNCER: Okay, how would such a thing come about? KLAUS: It comes when governments say--and churches agree--we must be nice to everybody and never risk offending anyone.  ANNOUNCER: Some of that is necessary to maintain civil order. KLAUS: Generally speaking, that would be correct. But what happens, for instance, when a pastor stands in the pulpit and condemns a sin? He will offend the people who are committing that sin. The next thing you know lawsuits are filed, the church is involved in a costly legal battle, and, if they lose, it could cost them big time.  ANNOUNCER: I imagine, here, you're thinking of some of those hot topics like abortion, homosexuality, and politics being preached from the pulpit. KLAUS: Yeah, that and other such things. The coming years will see an increasing number of medical and social issues which will further polarize the Church from society. ANNOUNCER: Assuming you were talking about a Church that takes the Bible and its message seriously. KLAUS: Good point. Mark, a moment ago I mentioned congregations giving up doctrines. That is happening overseas more and more. ANNOUNCER: But it's also happening here at home too, isn't it? Ken: It is. Church practices which once were unthinkable when I became a minister over 4 decades ago have become common practice. Congregations are removing the name "Christian" from their publications and buildings. Crosses are being taken down so as not to give offense to anyone in the neighborhood who might drive by.  ANNOUNCER: You might say these congregations seem to have forgotten the warning the Lord made about being lukewarm and wishy-washy. The Lord still expects His people to preach the message of Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of our sins and while that message may be offensive to the world, it is still God's power of salvation which saves those who believe. Anything else on your list of predictions for the future? Ken: Well, I can say that, in 20 years, those who are at worship will be there because they want to be and not because it's the socially proper thing to do. They will be there because they are doing their best to be faithful in worship and devotion to the Lord. ANNOUNCER: Anything else? Ken: Just one thing. Don't neglect the training of the young. More and more, I am seeing congregations closing their parochial schools, emphasizing fun at the expense of solid teaching in Sunday School and youth groups. Pastors are stepping back from instructing the congregation's young people, especially in Confirmation. It's a dangerous thing to do. These kids are already encountering pressures that you and I, Mark, could never have imagined. We need to help them become educated and able to defend what they believe.  ANNOUNCER: How would you sum all of this up for us today? Ken: The Lord can take the bad and turn it to good to accomplish His purposes. That's how God worked in the past and it's how He will work in the future. ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Klaus. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Action in Ministry for April 24, 2016 Guest: Pastor Michael Newman  ANNOUNCER: You're listening to The Lutheran Hour and this is Action in Ministry. Pastor Gregory Seltz joins us now. Welcome. SELTZ: It is great to be here, Mark. Thank you.  ANNOUNCER: Our topic today is heaven and that always lends itself to some fascinating conversations.  SELTZ: You know, Mark, we all can't wait to get there someday. But what if we knew more about it and weren't so worried about what comes right after our death?  ANNOUNCER: Pastor Michael Newman has authored a video resource for us that answers some of those troubling questions about death and especially what follows. The title is Death...Then What?  SELTZ: Pastor Newman, thanks for joining us.  NEWMAN: It is a joy to be with you.  SELTZ: Listen, we have to deal with death even from when we are young. For example, when a grandparent passes away. So in the back of our mind we know that it is inevitable, so why is it that most humans fear this thing called death the most?  NEWMAN: Death can be scary for a couple of reasons. One fear that I've seen in my experience over and over again is just the simple fear of wondering how you're going to die and how it's going to feel. A second reason for being nervous is all the questions a person may have about what's next.  ANNOUNCER: And people have all sorts of opinions about what might follow: reincarnation for one, absolute nothingness, or an afterlife. The Bible, though, tells us also about judgment and I suppose that would also be one reason why people might be uncomfortable or insecure concerning their own death.  NEWMAN: Yeah, it can be scary. The Bible teaches us, in Hebrews, chapter 9, says, "It's appointed for man to die once and then to face the judgment." And then just one chapter later it gets a little more scary when the writer says "it's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." So, we're all going to stand in the Presence of the Holy God and be accountable for our deeds at some point and the standard for judgment is perfection. So, that can be a reason for worry.  SELTZ: Mike, when I say to folks, I say Jesus has been to hell and back so that we can go to heaven with Him. Talk about this. Why is it essential, then, to trust in Jesus as the final Authority when it comes to these issues of heaven and hell?  NEWMAN: By God's grace we can fall into the hands of our God of mercy. You see, Jesus received our judgment and He took our punishment on the cross. So, when he arose from the grave, He stepped forward as our advocate. Essentially now, the Bible tells us we are clothed with Christ. He has given us His righteousness so when God looks at us, He sees the holiness of Jesus and He says, "Not guilty!" That's why He can welcome us into heaven. So, through faith in Jesus, as you've said, heaven is a sure thing.  SELTZ: Wow, that's very powerful. Now listen, another thing that folks think about when it comes to death, they find comfort in death by thinking the person is no longer in pain and that they'll see them again, but here's what's probably in the back of their mind, they're saying "Is that really true?"  NEWMAN: And that's the great comfort here because it's God's promise. That's what God promises. Because He forgives us, because He restores us, as we hear in the book of Revelation, there will be no more mourning or weeping or crying or pain. We're going to be united with loved ones who died in faith; and even now, in Christ, we're connected with those who have gone before us in faith. That's what we mean by the communion of saints when we confess it. So, this is a great comfort. You don't want to go it alone without Jesus. Separation from Him, handling eternity on your own, is devastating.  ANNOUNCER: But yet there is reason for rejoicing. Pastor, share with us, once again, that good news about the death and resurrection of Jesus and how that affects what we might experience after death.  NEWMAN: The Bible paints a beautiful picture of the gift of eternal life. When you are in heaven, you are going to be yourself, who God meant you to be fully. You're not going to be bored, floating on a cloud, playing a harp. Life in heaven is going to be more real, and vibrant, and beautiful than life even now. You are going to recognize people. You'll be recognized. You're going to be serving in a meaningful way. The life we live now is just a small taste of the beautiful life God has for us forever. So, it's an amazing blessing to walk in faith and have the eternal hope that Jesus gives.  SELTZ: Wow, that's such an incredible thing to think about; and this isn't wishful thinking because like I've said before and like Pastor Newman said, Christ went to hell and back to make it possible for us. So, Pastor Newman, thank you for sharing this glimpse into the life that awaits all those who trust in Christ. Thank you for this resource, but above all, thanks for joining us today. NEWMAN: Great to be with you again. SELTZ: And that's our Action in Ministry segment today to bless, to empower, and to strengthen your life in Christ for others.  ANNOUNCER: To view or download this material for free, go to lutheranhour.org and look for the link that says Action In Ministry. For more information, call The Lutheran Hour toll free 1-855-john316. That's 1-855-564-6316.  Music Selections for this program: "A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission. "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "Built on the Rock" 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