Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: February 22, 2015

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From: Lutheran Hour Ministries

Date:02/21/2015 9:16 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: revklaus@hotmail.com

Subject: The Lutheran Hour: February 22, 2015

Sermon Text for February 22, 2015  "Regrets, Reality and Grace-filled Restoration " #82-25   Presented on The Lutheran Hour on February 22, 2015 By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries     Text: Luke 15 11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided up his property between them. 13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all that he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' 20 So he got up and he went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine who was dead is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. Christ is risen; He is risen indeed, and faith in Him is the power to deal with reality, regrets, for real restoration. Amen. Have you ever had a moment in your life when you came to yourself? You know, when you said, "How did I get here?" "Is this what I'm supposed to be doing?" And you decided to make a change! Jason Brown had a moment like that. He was a National Football League veteran with 37.5 million dollars in contract. Released by the St. Louis Rams, he was still a valuable commodity in the league. The San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens all lined up to court the twenty-nine year old, three-hundred-pound center. Which team did Jason choose? None of them. After years of success in the NFL, Jason decided to walk away from football. People were amazed at his decision. His agent told him he was making the biggest mistake of his life. But Jason said, "No. No, I'm not." He came to himself. Instead of continuing his football career, Jason went back home to North Carolina and bought a 1,030-acre farm. This young man who had never farmed in his life decided to settle down and help his community by growing sweet potatoes and cucumbers that would help feed the hungry. Years ago, in the middle of the hoopla of football, Jason Brown came back to himself. It was when his brother was killed while serving in the military in Iraq. Suddenly Jason saw what was truly important in life. He decided to play football well, but to use it as a launching pad to help people in need. For a short time, Jason reveled in the glory of the gridiron. He went to clubs with his friends, enjoyed the public adulation; but it didn't take long for him to realize that there was much more to life. He said to himself, "When I'm done playing football, I need to leave with my identity intact." So, Brown got out at age twenty-nine. He said that he knew it was God's plan for him and his family. Though living lavishly in St. Louis, they gave it all up and they moved into a 100-year-old farmhouse in the North Carolina countryside. It was time to remember who he really was, what life really was all about, and how God wanted him to give back. Have you ever come back to yourself? Has a wake-up call ever shaken you back to your senses? Maybe it was something your kids said to you. Maybe you had a health scare or weathered a broken relationship. Perhaps you lost a loved one. It could have been a time when you hit rock bottom. Have you ever been shaken to your senses by reality that hit you that hard? Jason Brown saw the danger of losing himself in the fast moving world of football. There are times in life when you can lose yourself, too, when you can forget who you are and what life is really all about. Jesus told a story about a son who did just that. You've probably heard it before. It's the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke, chapter fifteen, of the Bible. The young man decided that he had had enough of the ways of his father's house. It was time for him to take his inheritance and do his own thing. Jesus said the boy went to a far away country and "he squandered his property in reckless living" (Luke 15:13). When the money ran out, so did his so-called friends. His world came crashing down. Suddenly, a boy who lived in comfort was scrounging for pig food with the pigs. He was at rock bottom. What happened next changed the course of his life. Jesus said, "He came to himself." It was as if the boy was living outside of himself. He was living a life that neither his father nor God intended. He was a stranger to the God who loved him, who created him, who redeemed him; a stranger even to himself. Have you ever felt that way? Maybe your work schedule leaves you feeling like an empty human being. Perhaps your quest for success has made your heart cold and distant. I wonder if all your efforts to feel good are causing you to lose yourself. When you get to that point, you wonder if there is any hope, if there is any way back to who you really are. The Prodigal Son that Jesus is talking about he wondered the same thing. Restoration, he didn't believe there was any way back to being a son again. As he sat in pig slop, he composed a speech. He would go back home. He would beg his father for a position as a hired servant. His own regrets and his sloppy reality convinced him that restoration really was ultimately impossible. But you know what happened next. While the boy was still far off and before he could even begin to recite his prepared speech, his father ran to him, threw his arms around him in a compassionate and forgiving embrace, and called the servants to begin a welcome home celebration beyond all celebrations. Jesus recounts: The father said to the servants, "Bring out the best robe, put it on him, put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate" (Luke 15:20-24). The undeserving, Prodigal Son ran into an extravagant grace, abounding love, and a limitless forgiveness. With a surprising turn of events, he was restored. He was himself again because of the father's gracious love. You could say it this way; grace chased him down on the road and gave him hope and a future because that's what grace really does. Jason Brown also experienced it. He went home to North Carolina and he tried to start on his own; but a gracious God, through gracious people, made all the difference. Things really changed when he met Len Wester, a local farmer, who came over to help him and give him some pointers. Then a few other farmers found out that Jason wanted to give all his crops away, so they connected him to some charities. At last, the man who had never farmed in his life gave away 46,000 pounds of sweet potatoes. Jason said, "I look over this farm and I see such blessing. This has been more than I could have ever imagined. I have been blessed more than I've blessed others." Grace pursued him, it pursues you because that's just who God is. That's the point of the story of the Prodigal Son. God's grace sought him out; it seeks you out. You may think that you've hit bottom or lost yourself. You may feel like you need to find a new life. But before you go looking for anything, your heavenly Father, in His grace, is pursuing you. He's running after you with a heart of love and compassion, ready to embrace you and cry out, "You're already welcomed home in Me! Let's celebrate!" In Ezekiel 34, God described Himself as a faithful shepherd looking for His sheep. He said: I myself search for my sheep. I will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among the sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep.....I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, I will strengthen the weak..." (Ezekiel 34:10-12, 15-16). In His grace, God pursues you. He seeks you out to restore you. He's seeking you today. What reality is hitting you hard right now? What regrets are weighing you down right now? How do you need to be restored by your Savior God, your Faithful Shepherd? Today you can be certain that God is reaching out to you to surprise you with His grace. He is searching for you, looking behind the dark clouds of gloom that have settled around you. He is working to rescue you from the painful places where you feel stuck. He is opening doors to bring you back from places of worry and doubt, from disappointment and fear. He is healing your wounds with His life-renewing love. It's all happening right now. Do you see it this moment? Do you hear the encouraging truth of your caring God who is looking for you, seeking you out? Tim Miller knows how important it is to have someone searching for you. Twenty years ago, his sixteen-year-old daughter, Laura, disappeared. Laura was talking to her boyfriend on a phone at a local convenience store--just a half-mile from home. Laura asked if she could walk home. It was the middle of the day, so her mom thought it would be okay. Time passed. Both Tim and his wife got home, but Laura wasn't there. They went to the convenience store and they didn't find her. They checked with her boyfriend, but he hadn't heard from her since their phone conversation. They drove all over the neighborhood, they searched for their daughter all night, but there was no trace of Laura. Finally, in the early morning, they contacted the police to report her as a missing person. They listened, but thinking she was merely a runaway, they didn't get into action. Heartbroken, Tim and his wife did all they could; but they felt helpless. No one was looking for their daughter. Over a year and a half later, two boys riding their bikes accidentally stumbled across Laura's remains in a field. Tragically, she had been abducted and killed. Tim Miller vowed never to let a person go unsearched for again. Tim formed a volunteer search group called Equusearch. Its purpose was to work with law enforcement to provide large numbers of volunteers who would search for missing loved ones. Tim asked for volunteers to help with this compassionate searching cause. He was astounded by the response. Horse owners stepped forward to give their time for search efforts. But it wasn't just the horse owners. People who owned helicopters and airplanes, they volunteered to help. Certified rescue divers and boat owners wanted to join in. People brought four-wheelers and infrared night-vision equipment. Soon, Equusearch had resources that surpassed the best law enforcement agencies. It was clear: people wanted to look for the lost. They wanted to support families who were agonizing over their missing loved ones. They wanted to provide restoration when reality was hitting hard. Jesus' mission for your eternal salvation was much the same. He said, "The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10). God's grace always pursues you. It always seeks you out. If you think you're too far gone, remember this.....God sent His only Son to shoulder your reality and your regrets. He took your burdens upon Himself as He hung on the cross for you. He carried your failures. He was punished for your sins. He took the consequences for your wandering and straying. And He hit rock bottom when He died in your place. But then Jesus, He rose from the dead. That means when you hit rock bottom, the living Savior is there to lift you up. He lives to seek you and find you. He lives to bring you back and give you a restored life. He rose from the dead so He could chase you down in your lostness and surprise you with His extravagant grace. On the cross, in Christ's resurrection, God found you, my friend. By faith, you can receive that blessing! In the face of reality, regrets, there is restoration for you and me. Through Jesus Christ you are forgiven, restored. Your life is brand new. And your Savior won't stop chasing after you; He won't stop looking for you--no matter what your reality may be. Will you trust in Him with me today? Will you receive the joy of being found in Him? It may come as a surprise to you, but God is real and He really loves you and in Him your life can be restored, refreshed, reset. I want you to know the joy of being found by Him. For the surprise of being found can change your life. That's what happened to a Haitian man named Evans Monsignac. Evans was buried alive when a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, killing 230,000 people. The twenty-seven-year-old father of two was trapped beneath the concrete slabs. All he could hear were the cries of people dying all around him. Evans lived in a slum and he worked to support his family by selling rice. At the end of his workday in January of 2010, the world came apart and buried him in the darkness. Rescuers began searching for people immediately; but Evans was trapped deep in the darkness. He said, "I just lifted up my eyes and prayed because I couldn't understand what was going on." Helpless, he felt a trickle of sewage water and it touched his lips. It made him sick. Soon he began to fade in and out of consciousness. With one million people homeless and 300,000 injured, the country was overwhelmed, but people kept searching. Evans said, "I didn't think of anything, just death. I could smell death from others - there were a lot of people under the rubble with me but the screaming soon stopped. Then it was quiet...it was dark all the time. Every time I came out of unconsciousness I prayed, I prayed that God would rescue me, give me life." Evans lay trapped for twenty-seven days. That's when somebody spotted him. Cries went up. Hope-filled people scrambled into action. Someone was alive! They pulled him from the rubble; they rushed him to the hospital. Evans was dehydrated and malnourished. He lost sixty pounds. He was traumatized and disoriented. But he was alive. Searchers didn't give up and they found him! Against all odds, when hope seemed impossible, when life looked as if it was gone, he was found. From a Florida hospital Evans said, "I still don't understand how I'm here. I was resigned to death; but God gave me life. The fact that I'm alive today isn't because of me; it's because of the grace of God. It's a miracle. I can't explain it." The Prodigal Son could have said the same thing. Today, you and I can say the same thing. God's love surprises us, but it is very real in Jesus. The miracle of life is that no matter where you have been or what you have done; He is always ready to welcome us home with joy. Come to your senses, yes! Know your need for God today, yes! But know even more His gracious, persevering love for you in Jesus and reality, regrets, they can give way to real restoration and new life. We're going to be talking about these things for the next several weeks in our sermon series, "Regrets, Reality, Restoration." I hope that you continue to listen, to share the messages with a friend in need, or even contact us here at the Lutheran Hour for more resources to begin living again in God's restorative grace. We're all here today not because of ourselves. We're all here today because of a miracle. We have life in Jesus Christ today because of the grace of God and we want you to have that too. Amen. LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for February 22, 2015 Topic: Do I Really Have to Forgive Those Who Hurt Me? ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Gregory Seltz responds to questions. I'm Mark Eischer. Pastor, we're just now starting our sermon series on "Regrets, Reality, and Restoration." Here's a question that deals with the restoration part of that. How do you forgive someone if they've really hurt you? SELTZ: Mark, what a tough question, but one that Jesus really wants us to answer! In fact, repentance and real forgiveness, that's what the Bible is all about. ANNOUNCER: But does that also include those who maliciously hurt and even keep on hurting others? SELTZ: Yeah, how about forgiving our enemies? ANNOUNCER: That all sounds impossible! SELTZ: It is. It's a God thing in our life or it is nothing. We, at best, we brush aside our hurts and pains, real forgiveness requires absolute mercy and grace and it's absolutely impossible for us sinful, broken, hurtful, and hurting people to do it on our own, completely. ANNOUNCER: So what can we do? SELTZ: Nothing, that's the point. And that's why what God has done becomes such a blessing for our forgiveness, our new-found capability to really forgive others in His Name. ANNOUNCER: Which brings us back to our theme of "Regrets, Reality, and Restoration." SELTZ: It does, because regrets and realities have to do with the hurts that we all seem to perpetuate on one another, things that begin to destroy us, our relationships, often times from within. Restoration is something that God makes possible, something He offers as a powerful, gracious gift. ANNOUNCER: Could you explain that? SELTZ: Love too, first of all, when somebody is offensive, abusive, or even unknowingly hurtful, there is real damage that is done. The heartbreak of it can linger for a long time even if the person is apologetic. Often it is just difficult to forgive. ANNOUNCER: And even when we want to forgive, there is often something in us that's pushing back against that and resisting. SELTZ: I think part of this is that our sense of justice desperately wants the offender to receive equal or greater punishment and receive it right now. To forgive, especially if that person hasn't apologized or hasn't suffered appropriately for what has happened, that just seems wrong and it can even rub salt in the wounds of our heart. ANNOUNCER: But God wants us to forgive others, "as He has forgiven us." How do you do that if you feel that others are somehow getting away with it? SELTZ: But that's the point, nobody gets away with sin. God forgave us by taking the just punishment for our sin, upon Himself on the cross. His mercy flows from justice completed, sin paid for. Think of it this way; He took the ultimate salt in His wounds for us all. And then as forgiven ones by His grace, we can even begin to forgive others the way He does us. ANNOUNCER: So forgiveness, justice, repentance--these are things that need to be brought to God first and foremost. SELTZ: That's why I said, without Him, this is impossible. We need to see how His grace overwhelms us, strengthens us, empowers us as we try to deal with real hurts and brokenness. ANNOUNCER: I suspect there are many listening today, though, that still don't want to forgive because the offense was so great, the hurt is so deep, the anger is still so fresh. SELTZ: Well, I think it's important then to distinguish between times of struggle with forgiveness and a heart that just won't forgive, period. A never-forgive attitude in us is one that can't be aligned with Christ by faith. But, amidst the struggles of trying to forgive, when things are fresh, when the hurt is real, God doesn't deny that reality. In fact, it's important for all of us to remember that God knows our hurts even deeper than we do. And He doesn't leave us alone to suffer. ANNOUNCER: Which is another reason Jesus came--to experience our brokenness even as He earned our salvation. SELTZ: Well said--He knows what it is like to be wounded physically and emotionally and Jesus' death and resurrection was provision for us where God overwhelmed our real brokenness and pain with His joy, forgiveness, and salvation. ANNOUNCER: So another aspect of God's gift to us in Jesus is that He lifts us up out of the pain and bitterness that would otherwise make slaves of us and rob us of our joy. SELTZ: Right, Christ's good news of forgiveness now means that we too can forgive others, not because we ourselves have this power to forgive but because God in us can forgive. That's the God who knows the pain, the brokenness, the reality of your hurt, but also knows the power of His love in Christ for you and for all. ANNOUNCER: God Himself is deeply offended by sin; we trust that He will do what it takes to bring about justice. That enables us to let go of our bitterness and forgive others. SELTZ: Yes, and trusting in Him for all of that, that's the beginning of real restoration, too. 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. "O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days" arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission. "On My Heart Imprint Your Image" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" 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

Last Sunday's sermon

 A few days late, but at least I got it out before the next one!!  Listen, share, enjoy!  http://youtu.be/8fIYwX1DmyM

Bible Study at Hendershot's moved to next week

Marv and Molly have changed Bible study at their house to next Friday. February 28 at 7pm.  Please mark your calendars!  

Concert tonight 6pm

 I'm sitting here in my office listening to them practice.  Sounds like voices of angels upstairs!  Get up here by 6pm tonight and enjoy some great music!

Garms Family Singers tonight at 6pm!!

Do you like good Christian music?  Do you want to be uplifted and warmed by the Spirit on this cold and blustery day?  Would you like something to do, besides watching reruns of Pawn Stars, tonight?  Come on out to St. John's for some good Blue Grass and Southern Gospel Music sung and performed by the Garms family beginning at 6pm tonight!  Go to www. thegarmsfamily.com  to check them out!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

 
DEVOTION:  Deuteronomy 18:9-14
⁹ "When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. ¹⁰ There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering,^[a] anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer ¹¹ or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, ¹² for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. ¹³ You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, ¹⁴ for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.
 
I was watching one of my favorite programs on the History channel the other evening and a commercial came up for the Long Island Medium.  The Long island medium is this very nice lady who supposedly has the ability to consult the dead, and do other fantastic and amazing things to help people.  The trouble with it is twofold.  Most of it is false or can be made up without ever being able to check the facts.  The second is the rest of it is from the DEVIL.  The devil can help you to have little bits of truth mixed into a big huge lies.  And since the lies sound good and are what we want to hear we believe them and fall for them hook, line, and sinker.  Who doesn't want to know that their dead relative is doing well and misses them?  Who doesn't want to get closure for something that happened a long time ago?  What harm is it anyway? 
 
The harm is that all of this junk pushes us like a gentle breeze pushes a boat into the middle of the lake without us even realizing it.  Instead of relying on God and His Word and the real truth off the Gospel, we rely on stupid half truths and fantasy.  Then, before we know it, a real storm comes along and we are lost at sea. 
 
This Lenten season is a great time to anchor yourself to God and His Word.  Trust in HIS promises.  Cling to His truth.  Live in His forgiveness!!  Enjoy His love and rest in His grace! 
 
Prayer:  Lord Jesus, keep us from loving lies and fantasies, and help us to love you and trust in you more each day so that we may be anchored in you!  Amen. 
 

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  What is the first commandment?  You shall have no other gods. 
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What was to happen to a sorcerer or witch in the land of Israel?

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CALENDAR:  

Thurs- GARMS FAMILY SINGERS  6pm; Karate 5:30-7:30; NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

Fri- Bible Study at Hendershots 7pm

Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Voter's meeting 9:45; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte- Wed- Kailyn Blechle, 8:30- Alaina Heitgerd , 11- Zack Hoelscher
Ushers- Wed- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure;  Sun- Scott heitgerd, Tom Linke, Alex Heitgerd, Bob Linke 
Altar- Set up Wed- Cheri Hofeldt, Clean up Terry McKenzie; Sun- Don and Dianne Hance, Clean Up- Lois Boeger
Communion Assistants- Wed- Steve Robine  Sat- Don Turnure; 8:30- Jim Rahn; 11- Randy Sweet
Greeters- 8:30- Paul and Cindy Klover 11- Joan Sexton
Lay readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone  8:30- Jim Rahn; 11- Randy Sweet
Sat Pianist- Tim Sherman

Organist: Melissa Pedersen

Projectionists: Wed- None; Sat- Pam Bueltmann; Sun 8:30  Julie Schaumberg  11- Terry McKenzie  THANK YOU LADIES FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS!!
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NEWS:   

 

SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC CONCERT TONIGHT!!!!  AT 6PM!!

Come on out and listen to a wonderful family of singers from Minnesota singing Southern Gospel Music. 

 

THE GARMS FAMILY!!!

 

Go to www.thegarmsfamily.com to check them out!

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READERS ......  BOTH FOR NARRATION AND FOR DRAMATIC PARTS OF VOICES OF PEOPLE FROM THE SCRIPTURES ARE NEEDED FOR HOLY WEEK!!

 

I HAVE ONE.  I NEED FIVE MORE!!

 

Here are the parts:

Narrator

Luke

John

Pontius Pilate

Jesus

 

Our choir is doing a Cantata (a compilation of songs and readings) beginning with Palm Sunday and going through to Easter.  They need some readers to be a part of this!!  If you'd be willing to help in this way please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061

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THE CHOIR NEEDS YOU FOR LENT AND ESPECIALLY HOLY WEEK!!!

The choir is preparing a cantata for Holy Week and Easter. Parts of it will be presented at 3 different services (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday). It would be wonderful to have some additional voices. If you enjoy singing, please consider joining the choir from now until Easter. You will be blessed by it! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 in the balcony.

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30 HOUR FAMINE COMING UP NEXT WEEKEND,  Feb 27-28

We stop eating at noon on Friday and don't eat again until 6pm on Saturday!  During that time we will have a lock in, do a couple service projects, and sleep!!! 

 

The fasting part is to raise money for World Vision which provides food, medical supplies, and rigs for drilling for water wells in many Third World Countries. 

 

Please consider donating to this cause by replying to this email or by donating to your favorite junior or senior high youth!!

 

 

YOUTH MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO BEE A PART OF IT

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TRAELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE PENITENTIARY ON SATURDAY APRIL 11!!

 We will visit the Warm Springs Ranch, World headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdale OPERATION.  After the tour of the ranch and some refreshments compliments of Budweiser, we will enjoy lunch at Settler's Inn.  After that we are on to Jeff City for a tour of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary.  An ICE CREAM BREAK us scheduled at Central dairy to round out the day.  Reservations and tickets have to be purchased so it is NECESSARY that you SIGN UP NOW!!!  Complete cost will be determined by number of people going. 

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VOLUNTEER NEEDED TO BE THE REPRESENTATIVE AND LIAISON FROM ST. JOHN'S FOR THE ST. CHARLES CHAPTER OF LUTHERANS FOR LIFE!

All it requires is an email address and phone number so you can receive information pertaining to our congregation and pass it on when need be. 

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PRAYER REQUESTS:

For the FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF CLAIRE JOHNSON, who went home to her Lord Jesus yesterday.  Funeral arrangements are pending.

 

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, who remains in the ICU to control her seizures and to give her the rest she needs.   She has been unresponsive for a week.

 

For CHERI HOFELDT'S MOTHER who is dealing with severe back pain and is recovering from receiving treatment for it.

 

For ROSETTA JONES who is recovering from a fall and a broken collar bone at Warrenton Manor Nursing Home.

 

For WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to deal with many health problems relating from a stroke.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE, a senior at WHS, a friend to many kids at St. john's, and a rider on Karin's bus since kindergarten, who has a very serious form of cancer.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .
 
For TODD PONDER, former band teacher/director and friend to many at St. John's, who suffered a massive stroke and can't do anything but move his eyes.  He is unable to breathe on his own. Here is a link to a fund that was started to help the family as they will have astronomical hospital and rehab bills for a long time to come.   At the bottom of the page it also has updates as to his progress.  http://www.gofundme.com/hp1ed8?pc=mb_em

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wednesday, February 18, 2015

DEVOTION:   Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:8
 
The season of Lent begins tonight with the imposition of ashes.  This rite began way back in the Old Testament when people would clothe themselves with sackcloth, a very rough material, and sit in or cover themselves with ashes to show that they were truly sorry for their sins and were ready to repent.  It was usually attached to mourning and wailing over grievous sin.  Throughout the centuries it continued for the same reason even in the New Testament.  In 1091 it became an "official" practice on the Christian church in Rome.  It continues on today as we receive the sign of the cross in ashes on our foreheads and hear the words "Dust you are and to dust you shall return." 
 
The Old English origin of this word refers simply to the season of the "lengthening of the hours of daylight" in other words "Spring".  We usually refer to this time as a ti9me of sacrificing and giving up something to remind ourselves of all that Jesus gave up for us.  During the time we would usually be doing that something, or eating that something, or watching that something we should be replacing it with something even better for us namely, prayer, meditation on God's Word, confession and repentance...... In essence, Lent is a time of gaining and getting something more than it is a time of giving something up.  We are gaining minutes and hours of daylight, we are gaining a better understanding of God's grace, and we are gaining faith in Christ. 
 
It is in this season of gaining that God calls us home to our salvation and we "believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory because we are obtaining the out come off our faith, the salvation of our souls!" 
 
I urge you to get to worship tonight, get those ashes on your forehead, sing the hymns, listen to the choir, hear God's Word, receive His body and blood, enjoy the fellowship of the saints and REJOICE IN THE OBTAINING OF TEH OUTCOME OF YOUR FAITH THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOULS! 
 
Let us pray: As we begin another season of Lent, Lord, fill us with your grace.  Remind us of all you have given up for us.  Remind us, through the ashes, that there will come a day when we will turn to dust ourselves and end up obtaining the outcome of that faith you have gifted to us, the salvation of our souls!  Amen.
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TODAY'S QUIZ:  What is the first commandment?  (

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CALENDAR: 

Wed- ASH WEDNESDAY!!!  Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:30pm 

Thurs- GARMS FAMILY SINGERS  6pm; Karate 5:30-7:30; NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

Fri- Bible Study at Hendershots 7pm

Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Voter's meeting 9:45; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte- Wed- Kailyn Blechle, 8:30- Alaina Heitgerd , 11- Zack Hoelscher
Ushers- Wed- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure;  Sun- Scott heitgerd, Tom Linke, Alex Heitgerd, Bob Linke 
Altar- Set up Wed- Cheri Hofeldt, Clean up Terry McKenzie; Sun- Don and Dianne Hance, Clean Up- Lois Boeger
Communion Assistants- Wed- Steve Robine  Sat- Don Turnure; 8:30- Jim Rahn; 11- Randy Sweet
Greeters- 8:30- Paul and Cindy Klover 11- Joan Sexton
Lay readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone  8:30- Jim Rahn; 11- Randy Sweet
Sat Pianist- Tim Sherman

Organist: Melissa Pedersen

Projectionists: Wed- None; Sat- Pam Bueltmann; Sun ????????????????????  I NEED PROECTIONISTS FOR THIS WEEKEND!!!
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NEWS:   

ASH WEDNESDAY TONIGHT!!  Supper 5:30!  Menu:  Fried chicken, cheesy potato casserole, green beans, lots of wonderful desserts....  Hosted by our youth group for a FREE WILL DONATION;   Worship with imposition of ashes and the Lord's Supper 6:30!

 

Come and join us for this solemn and yet joyous occasion as we repent and receive Christ's forgiveness!

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SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC CONCERT TOMORROW NIGHT!!!!  AT 6PM!!

Come on out and listen to a wonderful family of singers from Minnesota singing Southern Gospel Music. 

 

THE GARMS FAMILY!!!

 

Go to www.thegarmsfamily.com to check them out!

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READERS ......  BOTH FOR NARRATION AND FOR DRAMATIC PARTS OF VOICES OF PEOPLE FROM THE SCRIPTURES ARE NEEDED FOR HOLY WEEK!!

Our choir is doing a Cantata (a compilation of songs and readings) beginning with Palm Sunday and going through to Easter.  They need some readers to be a part of this!!  If you'd be willing to help in this way please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061

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THE CHOIR NEEDS YOU FOR LENT AND ESPECIALLY HOLY WEEK!!!

The choir is preparing a cantata for Holy Week and Easter. Parts of it will be presented at 3 different services (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday). It would be wonderful to have some additional voices. If you enjoy singing, please consider joining the choir from now until Easter. You will be blessed by it! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 in the balcony.

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30 HOUR FAMINE COMING UP NEXT WEEKEND,  Feb 27-28

We stop eating at noon on Friday and don't eat again until 6pm on Saturday!  During that time we will have a lock in, do a couple service projects, and sleep!!! 

 

The fasting part is to raise money for World Vision which provides food, medical supplies, and rigs for drilling for water wells in many Third World Countries. 

 

Please consider donating to this cause by replying to this email or by donating to your favorite junior or senior high youth!!

 

 

YOUTH MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO BEE A PART OF IT

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TRAELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE PENITENTIARY ON SATURDAY APRIL 11!!

 We will visit the Warm Springs Ranch, World headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdale OPERATION.  After the tour of the ranch and some refreshments compliments of Budweiser, we will enjoy lunch at Settler's Inn.  After that we are on to Jeff City for a tour of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary.  An ICE CREAM BREAK us scheduled at Central dairy to round out the day.  Reservations and tickets have to be purchased so it is NECESSARY that you SIGN UP NOW!!!  Complete cost will be determined by number of people going. 

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VOLUNTEER NEEDED TO BE THE REPRESENTATIVE AND LIAISON FROM ST. JOHN'S FOR THE ST. CHARLES CHAPTER OF LUTHERANS FOR LIFE!

All it requires is an email address and phone number so you can receive information pertaining to our congregation and pass it on when need be. 

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PRAYER REQUESTS:

For the FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF CLAIRE JOHNSON, who went home to her Lord Jesus yesterday.  Funeral arrangements are pending.

 

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, who remains in the ICU to control her seizures and to give her the rest she needs.   She has been unresponsive for a week.

 

For CHERI HOFELDT'S MOTHER who is dealing with severe back pain and is recovering from receiving treatment for it.

 

For ROSETTA JONES who is recovering from a fall and a broken collar bone at Warrenton Manor Nursing Home.

 

For WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to deal with many health problems relating from a stroke.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE, a senior at WHS, a friend to many kids at St. john's, and a rider on Karin's bus since kindergarten, who has a very serious form of cancer.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .
 
For TODD PONDER, former band teacher/director and friend to many at St. John's, who suffered a massive stroke and can't do anything but move his eyes.  He is unable to breathe on his own. Here is a link to a fund that was started to help the family as they will have astronomical hospital and rehab bills for a long time to come.   At the bottom of the page it also has updates as to his progress.  http://www.gofundme.com/hp1ed8?pc=mb_em

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Narrators and Dramatic Readers needed for Holy Week

 We are in need of to do some dramatic reading and narration for Palm Sunday, Maundy, Thursday, and Good Friday. 
 
Parts are as follows:
Narrator (at each worship) (Can be a different person each time)
Jesus (Each worship)  (Can be a different person each time if)
Luke (Palm Sunday)
Peter (Maundy Thursday)
Pilate (Good Friday)
John (Good Friday)
 
 
The narrator can be a man or woman, but I'd of course prefer the rest of the parts to be read by men. 
 
Please reply to this email to let me know you are willing and which one you'd like to do. 
 
 
Thanks,
Pastor 
 
 

ASH WEDNESDAY TOMORROW NIGHT!!

Ash Wednesday is all about beginning a 40 day season in which we let go of the sin that so easily entangles us and cling more tightly to Jesus through
prayer;
reading, hearing, and meditating on God's Word;
and simply resting in the grace that God freely gives!
 
Our theme for this season in "CALLING US HOME" Focusing on the Epistle of 1 Peter
 
 
If you want to be a part of this special season come to St. John's for supper at 5:30 and stay for worship at 6:30.
 
 
Everyone is invited!  Being your family, friends, and even your neighbors!!!!
 

Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: February 15, 2015

Sermon Text for February 15, 2015  "Searching for Love - Listen to Jesus" #82-24 Presented on The Lutheran Hour on February 15, 2015 By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker (Is Life Change Really Possible?) Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries     Text: Mark 9 "After six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and He led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. ...they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." And suddenly, looking around, they saw no one with them but Jesus only." Christ is risen; He is risen indeed and the transfigured Lord Jesus Christ is the One that is going to the cross so that we might have life and salvation in Him. Amen. It's the Sunday of Transfiguration today for millions of Christians around the world. Now, if you aren't a Christian, what does that mean for you? Well, today, Christians come to grips with just who this Jesus is who came into the world to save sinful humanity. Today, they celebrate the fact that He is both God and Man, come all the way to the flesh level of life with godly power to save all who put their faith in Him. In fact, today is a day when people who love Jesus, really begin to understand the miraculous depth, and power, and fullness of what real love is, because Jesus is God's love to the max for all who believe.  Love.... all you need is love....Jesus is love.....Jesus is all you need. But, I don't think that many others are thinking about Jesus and love today....why? Well, because it's Valentine's weekend. People are thinking about love, yes, but I'm not sure that Jesus is in the center of all that. Now I think that's kind of sad because with Christ in the center of our love for each other, even Valentine's Day can be one that you will never forget. So, let's just start there with a Valentine's discussion. We'll get to the question about how your Transfiguration celebration, how is that going, but let's start with Valentine's Day questions first, right? So, how did it go? Was Valentine's everything you'd hoped it would be? Are you already planning for next year? Why? Why not? For many people, this is an important day because they think it's about love. Did you know that Americans spend an average of $130 per person, per year, on Valentine's Day gifts? That's the average, so most people spend much more. Why? They're trying to make sure that the one they love really knows for sure that they love them!  So every year, it's roses, candy, romantic dinners, even diamonds and pearls; all to say, "I love you!" Right? Oh how I wish that sharing the depth and the power of love were that easy. Unfortunately, Valentine's Day, for many, often gets in the way of real, meaningful, lasting love in a person's life. In fact, for many, and they've shared this with me over the years, Valentine's Day is often a day filled with pain, not joy; with regret, not deep affection; a time of loneliness and heartache from real past heartbreaks. Yes, love, sharing love, proclaiming love is something we all desperately need, but it is much grander than merely a yearly, focused day of romance even at its best.  And that's what Transfiguration is all about. If you are looking for love that lasts, love that can empower all other loves in life, then look on this mountain where the disciples see Jesus, the Christ, transfigured, metamorphosized before them. You see, this lesson is about why Jesus is the only One who can be your Savior. He is God's love in action for you. Up until this time, the disciples saw Jesus as a wonderful Teacher, a unique Leader, One to follow at all costs.  But today, they see that this servant Leader, this humble Teacher, is greater than Elijah and Moses, He is God in the flesh, the beloved of the Father, the One who brings love and life into the world, God in the flesh. They get a glimpse of the resurrected Jesus just before He journeys to the Cross of Calvary. They can't fathom the depth of His upcoming suffering and they sure can't fathom the depth of His resurrected glory, and neither can we, ultimately, but today they, as we, get a glimpse of the fullness of that love in the person of Jesus. And that loving Lord Jesus saved them; He saves you. He saves me. For a moment on top of a mountain, the disciples got a glimpse of just who this Jesus is for them. He is their Savior, the One who brings love to their life, to your life, and to the life of those we love. He is the One that is the answer to all your prayers. As the Father said, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" On this week of love in action, let me say it clearly, Jesus Christ is God's love in action for you. Wow! And His love impacts our love, impacts those we love. In fact, the Bible teaches that we as believers in Jesus "Are to love others the way that He loves us!" Period.  That's why I think Valentine's Day can be helpful in this regard. Valentine's Day truly shows how difficult it is even for sinful people in love to really communicate that love to one another. Amidst the flowery romance of February 14 is the reality of broken marriages, infidelity, heartbreak, and even struggle in committed marriages. A lot of people aren't even looking for real love today. They're just hoping to have a good Valentine's-like experience once in a while. For many, we've been so jaded that we aren't even willing to open up ourselves to those who even love us. Sadly, it's impossible to communicate love in the midst of that kind of reality. When we are so closed in on ourselves, so sure that our love will be abused, or that someone will only hurt us in the long run, even when real love is standing right before us; we tend to dismiss it right out of hand. Receiving love is tough when we're already closed in. Have you ever felt that way? Or, have you ever experienced the other side of this challenge, you know, the reality of communicating real, lasting love? That's even tougher to do. You know that it takes more than an occasional gift of roses and candy, nice cards and candlelight dinners, to share lasting, heart to heart love, right? You know that loving words and actions throughout the year, coupled with commitment that is sure, that can be counted on even in the midst of struggles, that's the power of love that even undergirds those Valentine's Day joys. In fact, real love is even more than our best efforts. Because, as sinners, we're always going to have days of failure, days of insecurity, days of ineptitude when it comes to what others really need from us, as well as what we really need from them. That's the kind of love we need. But that love, it just sounds impossible. Well, on our own, by ourselves, the Bible says it is. And that's why the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus is not about you doing something for God, even out of love; it is about God's love in action, in the flesh, living the life of love we should have lived, dying a death we deserved for our lack of love to bring God's love back into the lives of every person in this world. He brings His healing to our brokenness, His wholeness to our fracturedness, His love to our lives!  So, on this weekend of love, wouldn't you agree that this message from God, the fullness of God's love in Jesus Christ is necessary, is vital? I pray that it is. One of the things that I hear about people today in general is that many feel lost, unloved, and alone. Many, even with material blessings or career successes, they are beginning to doubt that love exists or that their life has meaning. In our sterile reasoning, scientific arrogance, even in our limited emotional laden experiences, we seem to be looking for love, but never finding it.  We seem to be searching for love and life in all the wrong things in all the wrong places today. It reminds me of this crazy search for ET, extra-terrestrial life? Have you heard about all of this? Have you heard about the SETI Institute? They are scientists "Searching for Extraterrestrial Life." Now, I've got my opinion of why, but that's another sermon. We're spending millions and millions of dollars listening to the radio waves, hoping to detect a signal with signs of intelligent origin, signs of life. With no luck there, SETI is now tuning their instruments to the stars themselves; pointing their instruments at a distant sun, feeding the pulses of electro magnetic radiation into their computer sound cards, hoping to understand the voices of the stars! I think you can go to their website and even listen in! SETI scientists are pursuing the long-shot possibility that perhaps some advanced civilization has learned how to cause their sun to pulsate in a way that could be discerned as a type of beacon or Morris code to send out a message. So far, though, they've struck out. No signals. None at all. That seems to be the way of humanity. On our own, we eventually strike out, we miss the point, we even miss love and life when it is standing right in front of us. Transfiguration Sunday has a simple message. For love, life, forgiveness, fresh start, eternal life, and purpose, don't look to the stars, to the sunsets, even to the joys and wonders of this world for the evidence of God's love in your life; don't even look to the love of other sinful people for that; look first and foremost to Jesus Christ Alone. He is God's love in action for you. He is the beloved Son of the eternal Father, the text says, who has come to give you life and salvation. Listen to Him, follow Him, receive His love, share His love, live in Him for others; because that will change your life! Now that's a bold statement, isn't it? But, the Transfiguration is laying it all on the line. It's as if the Father is saying this is it. He's the One. He's Light amidst darkness. He's Life amidst death. He's God in the world to save it.  The text says, 'And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus alone.' No one but Jesus. I love how the event starts to close. Moses was there, Elijah was there, the voice from the Cloud - God the Father in Heaven, was there, the disciples were there, Peter, James, and John; if all of them would walk among us today, we would all stop and marvel; we'd be amazed. But the point of this text is when it all stops, we are to see Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus as the One to put our faith in, our trust in, our hope in for life and love. So how should we deal with this event today? We could look at the disciples, how they handled it. There was a lot of emotion on the mountain that day. The disciples were terrified, never had they felt so small and insignificant. Then they were overjoyed, even wanting to keep all this heavenly goodness in Jesus to themselves. But, overall, in this case, they don't provide much help in terms of what we should do in response to this incredible news that Jesus Christ is God's loved and loving Son come to save and redeem us. So, let me just leave you with a few simple thoughts. I think that this event is challenging anyone who reads it or who listens to it today. It is challenging us to get to know the Jesus of the Bible on the Bible's terms. That means, "No reading into the lessons what we wish Jesus would have said; no modern cynical name calling that prevents us from just hearing the very words of the text," No. Let's at least have the same passion as those SETI scientists. They aren't coming with any pre-conceived notions of what they should find; they're just taking in the data, recording it, listening to it over and over and over again, hoping to find life and love and laughter and purpose.  With the same passion of those SETI scientists who are looking for messages out of burning balls of gas in the sky, I say look to Jesus of the manger, the Jesus of Calvary, the Jesus of the empty tomb! Here in this text, the Bible tells of a spectacular, almost out of this world event that took place almost two thousand years ago when Peter, James, and John witnessed the very thing that SETI scientists are longing for today. I guarantee you this, if you look at the Jesus of the Bible that way, you'll be amazed at Him. You'll never meet anyone else like Him and His Word will not leave you unchanged! Will you take that journey with me? It's not the electromagnetic pulses of a distant star; it's the loving, powerful words of a real, present Savior. And let's learn something else today, especially if you are a Christian already. Peter was so overjoyed with this Jesus before him he never wanted it to end. He knew that it meant everything for him to be in Jesus' loving presence. Now all that is true for you and me too; but like Peter, we need to realize that this side of heaven, we're not merely to revel in that love, we're also to take this love from the mountaintop back down to the plain where people live amidst the brokenness and the sorrows of a world in pain.  In fact, often times, that's the only way that others will get to know this Jesus, when they see His love and His joy alive in our lives, as we care for others the way He does us. I love how Robert Louis Stevenson illustrates this kind of trust in this story that he told. He said it this way:  "A ship was in a serious storm and in grave distress. The passengers were alarmed. One of them finally, against orders, went up to the deck and made his way to the pilot. The seaman was at his post of duty at the wheel, but, seeing the man was greatly frightened. He turned to the man so that he could look him in the eye, and face to face, he gave him a reassuring smile. Returning to the other passengers the man said. "I have seen the face of the pilot, he smiled. All is well."  "I have seen the face of the pilot, he smiled. All is well."  And that's the point. In the midst of the storms of life, Christ comes with the very smile of God for us, "All is well." When He is put on the cross of Calvary, in agony, He still smiles upon us with God's grace, "All is well." When all hope seems lost as He lay in the tomb three days, the promises of God in the Bible screamed, "All is well." When He rose again from the grave, ascended into heaven to take His seat of power, "All is well." And when He comes again to judge the living and the dead, you will see with your eyes what your heart already knows this Transfiguration Sunday, all is well. We get to reflect His face to others in the midst of the trials and struggles of their lives too; because, in Him, there is a love that lasts for us and for others. In Him, there is a message that will overwhelm all seekers with grace and love that is out of this world, yet in this world for them. And that's a love that believers are not merely here to receive with joy, it is one that we can share, one that we can never exhaust as we give it away again and again.  I have to admit I love Valentine's Day, but I love Transfiguration Sunday even more because on this unique day for Christians around the world, there's a communicated love from God in personal form in the person and work of Jesus, offering all who believe a love that lasts, a love that empowers all other loves. It comes in words, it comes in water, it comes in bread and wine, delivering the things of Jesus so that you can know this love of God in Christ is for you! That's a bouquet of grace worth receiving, that's a gift worth opening, that's an eternal love that is here for you in Christ now and forever. Celebrate that with me today, put your faith in that, share that with those who seek, and take this simple challenge from God the Father Himself, "This is My beloved Son, you listen to Him." Just like that day, when all was said and done, they were left only with Jesus, and that was enough. My friend, He is all you and I need too. Amen.  LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for February 15, 2015  Topic: Is Life Change Really Possible? ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Gregory Seltz responds to questions. I'm Mark Eischer. Pastor, we all know people who are stubborn and set in their ways. Is positive life change really possible?  SELTZ: Wow, Mark, that is a big question and there's danger on both sides of the answer.  ANNOUNCER: Oh, could you explain? SELTZ: Well, some would say people do not change, but that's not true. We believe and know that in Christ people are new creations; the old is gone and the new has come; so, because of what God has told us and shown us, we believe real change is possible.  ANNOUNCER: After all, changed lives are God's specialty. We think, for example, of the radical transformation that took place in the life of the Apostle Paul.  SELTZ: Yes, and think about Zacchaeus and Matthew, despised tax collectors whose lives were completely changed by Jesus? ANNOUNCER: But there are plenty of people who refuse to change, like the Pharaoh who hardened his heart against Moses or the Pharisees who opposed Jesus. SELTZ: Yeah, that's correct, but we need to be careful here too. There are many who, though forgiven, still struggle with addictions and stubborn sins as well. Some folks don't want to change, yes, but others live in the gracious struggle of life; the ups and the downs, each and every day. ANNOUNCER: And how does transformation work there?  SELTZ: Well, for those who are struggling, just the fact that they are facing their struggles, falling at the mercies of God, striving to change; that too is transformation, if you think about it. God may be using their struggle for His purposes as well. Now, for those who are stubborn, unwilling, the Bible proclaims God's fervent judgment against such a view because a graced life is meant to be lived for others. ANNOUNCER: In that sense, there's also power for change in God's word of judgment, if it leads to repentance.  SELTZ: Exactly, there's always hope for life change when people are hearing God's Law and Gospel, His transforming Word. The Holy Spirit works repentance in people's lives. That is God's most amazing transformation. And that can lead to changed lives here too. ANNOUNCER: The early Christians were surprised when God reached out to stubborn nations with the life-changing message of Jesus.  SELTZ: Yeah, they were, remember in Acts 11 where it says, "Then to the Gentiles also God granted repentance that leads to life" (Acts 11:18 ESV). Surprise! ANNOUNCER: God's Word speaks over and over again about the kind of gracious change He works. SELTZ: Yes, so don't be surprised, as a believer, a graced one in Jesus, when God begins to change your temporal life too. We're saved by grace for life in Him for others. Remember those fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Life change is not only possible; it is what God works through faith in Jesus by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. ANNOUNCER: But, what is it, though, that gets people stuck, as it were? SELTZ: There is stubbornness, of course, Mark. There are habits that have been ingrained in us over a long period of time. Addictions trap people in patterns of destructive behavior. There is also weakness. Some people are the "smoldering wicks" and "bruised reeds" the Bible talks about. And God doesn't snuff out "smoldering wicks." He will not break the "bruised reeds." We have to recognize that, sometimes, life change, it can mean a dramatic turnaround; but at other times, life change means the daily strength and restoration for someone who will struggle with things until Jesus returns. ANNOUNCER: And with those obstacles you mentioned, what sort of life change is possible? SELTZ: It doesn't seem possible for us, but I want our listener to know that, with God, all things are possible. In 1 Corinthians, chapter six, the Apostle Paul spoke to people who seemed very unlikely to change. After talking about the areas where they were stuck, he said: "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of Jesus and by the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 6:11 ESV).  ANNOUNCER: Change happened through the forgiveness of sins Jesus earned for them.  SELZ: Right. Change happened as the cleansing water of His baptism gave them new birth with the forgiveness of sins and the presence of the Spirit. So, in the certainty of 100% grace from God, the gift of change, we can begin to reorient our lives to Him and to others.  ANNOUNCER: The bottom line is there is hope.  SELTZ: Always. There is a great deal of hope. Let's be very clear. Every day, God works miraculous change in people's lives.  ANNOUNCER: But, the greatest change is faith in Jesus through the forgiveness of sins.  SELTZ: Yes, and even as redeemed people we can still struggle with sin. Nobody is perfect. The bottom line, though, as believers, you exercise discernment, you can look for and expect true life change because that's what God does best.  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. "Gradual for Epiphany" arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission. "'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "Alleluia, Song of Gladness" 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 / visit our website 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141 1-800-876-9880