Pastor's Blog

November 2023

Troubles

 

Sometimes troubles just happen and there was nothing you could do about it. But isn’t it true that sometimes we make our own trouble? Instead of being guided by God’s Word, we go our own way. And, surprise! our way doesn’t work as well as God’s way. In Psalm 84:5 we read, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” The pilgrimage that the Psalmist speaks of could be translated “course of action.” The point of the verse is that when we trust in God, find our strength in him, and put our faith into action by follow his course of action, we will be blessed. (Blessed also means “to be happy.”)

Jesus Christ set us free from sin’s deadly curse by taking the punishment of our sins away on the cross. He also set us free from sin’s deadly influence. We are raised to new life in Christ. As his holy people, we will still face troubles, but we will find happiness in him and his ways. God's ways may not always be easy and they may not be popular, but they are always right. Don’t ignore God’s will for your own ways. Ignoring him leads to trouble. Instead, find the joy of hearing God’s Word and putting it into practice in your homes and everywhere you go!

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling



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Best Way to Worship

What is the best way to worship God? Often, we think that our actions are the best way for us to praise God. Martin Luther said this:

This is the reason why we so greatly extol faith: It brings me divine works, yes, the works of the Lord Jesus Christ, namely, His suffering and dying, and make them my own. Our works are nothing in comparison. We owe him the honor that he is everything and we are nothing. (What Luther Says, p. 538)

Faith connects you to the work of Jesus Christ - and his work is the work that really matters for our salvation.

The message of the Bible points to Jesus Christ as our Savior! He alone saves us, without our works and assistance. Trust in him. Feed your faith as you hear his Word, remember the promises God made to you in Baptism, and as you receive the Lord’s Supper. The greatest way you can thank God is by trusting in Jesus Christ, your Savior. (And, by the way, that faith will always motivate godly actions in your life!)

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:29

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling



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All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. ~ 2 TIMOTHY 3:16