"Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." Acts 8:4 (NIV)

The above verse follows the account in Acts 7 in which Stephen was killed for his testimony about Jesus. The other believers faced persecution and so they “scattered” from Jerusalem.

Notably, they “preached the word wherever they went.” Persecution did not damper their faith. In fact, God used the hatred and persecution they faced in Jerusalem to spread the gospel to new people.

This mission work was accomplished, not through the Apostles or other trained workers. God used the lay people.

Nothing has changed. God still uses lay people – you – to spread the gospel. You can speak about what you know. You know the peace and joy that comes from the forgiveness of sins that you have through faith in Jesus. You know the certainty that death has been defeated by Jesus’ resurrection. This means that you will live in heaven! You can tell people about this life-changing perspective that you have. You don’t have to stand on a street corner (or in the pulpit). You can talk in private conversations wherever God’s leads you.

God’s distribution plan for the gospel has always involved all of his people. Like the earliest Christians, be ready to speak about your Savior wherever you go.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

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Pastor Zarling

Today is “National Sanctity of Life Day.” While much could be written about the sin of abortion, take a few moments to think about the verse from Isaiah:
"Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight." Isaiah 5:20–21 (NIV)

At its heart, abortion comes from those who do not see evil for what it is. They twist the truth or allow human wisdom to reign over God’s Word. God has graciously revealed the truth to you through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. You know the truth because God has created faith in your heart. Be on guard against excuses for sin that “make sense” to you. Our hearts, while enlightened by God’s Word, are not immune from temptation. While abortion may be easy for us to see as an evil that is contrary to God’s will, other sins can take root in our hearts – sins that “make sense” to us. Cling to Jesus and listen to his Word for strength.

And as you have opportunity, speak out against the evil of abortion. The innocent, who cannot speak for themselves, need someone to speak. There may be moments when that voice will be yours.

Pray. God has promised to hear his people – that means you. Among the countless concerns you can bring to God in prayer, continue to pray for God to curb all wickedness in our society – including abortion.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

“This is my body given for you. . . . This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19-20). Don’t let your eye miss what only your faith can see in the Lord’s Supper: Jesus is giving you a blessing! Martin Luther reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is a work of God, not us.
No greater shame and disgrace can be heaped on the most venerable Sacrament than merely to consider it a good work; for a good work is something I can do to another, and it must be an act I perform. But the Sacrament is not my work but God’s work, with which I merely let myself be served and from which I receive a blessing. (What Luther Says, p. 808)

Receive the Lord’s Supper in true faith that God keeps his promises. Because we take the Lord’s Supper regularly, it can become routine. Or because we may not feel anything miraculous, it can seem ordinary. But because God is at work in the Lord’s Supper, nothing could be further from the truth. We get a foretaste of heaven. We commune with the true God. As God works in the Sacrament, let your heart be thrilled to receive his blessings!

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

If you’re like every other human being, you don’t like to be told that you are wrong. Our sinful nature despises the thought of being corrected. But for us who know Jesus Christ, we are eager to do what is right. We are willing to be told that we are wrong because we do not want to continue down a path of sin. In Psalm 141:5 (NIV) we read: "Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it."

The Psalmist was willing to accept correction because he knew it would benefit him. Your sinful nature will never like being corrected, but we are not controlled by the sinful nature anymore. We belong to Christ Jesus. As a child of God who is eager to do good, accept correction in a spirit of gratitude. You are being led back to the right path. That is something that a Christian will never refuse.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

As we begin a new year, it is good to recall Moses’ words (Moses wrote Psalm 90). We need to “number our days aright.” First, let’s remember that the number of days we will spend on earth is infinity fewer than the eternal days in heaven. The Children of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt was a journey to the Promised Land. The harsh desert in which they lived for forty years was not the destination; the “land flowing with milk and honey” was. Heaven is our real home, prepared for us by Jesus Christ!

But let’s also remember that the days we have in this life are gifts from God to be used in service to him. Don’t waste your days here letting sin be your master. Jesus has freed you from sin so that you can enjoy loving and serving like he did. Sure, you’re busy — everyone is — but don’t let busyness keep you from people who really matter. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to do everything, so number your days aright and chose what is best and most important. Someone once said, “The enemy of the best is the good.” Focus on what the best opportunities God gives you to serve him! Use the time God has given you in ways that please him. You will not be disappointed.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling