The gospel message of free forgiveness through faith in Jesus will often offend people. But that does not mean that Christians should offend people. When God gives you the chance to speak about what he has done for you, do it “with gentleness and respect.” When a friend or family members asks you about your faith and how it help you, do not be proud or arrogant in what you say. With godly kindness, tell them about your Savior who is also their Savior. (And don’t be fooled into thinking you have to be able to explain everything in the Bible to them. Tell them about the peace that comes from knowing God’s love and the absolute proof of that love that we have through what Jesus has done for us.)

They might be offended by the message. The Bible talks about that possibility that sadly happens due to unbelief. But they should not be offended because you conveyed the message in an offensive way. While you may have to point out the reality of sin, do with the respect as you admit that you are also a sinner. You will have to talk about Jesus whose death and resurrection are the only source of forgiveness. That seems like foolishness – we should have to something, or so we think. Speak with a conviction that reflects your faith.

The best evangelism that our congregation does is done by you! It happens as you talk to people you know. May God grant you the opportunities, courage, and faith to speak in those moments.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

Every Christian who is honest with himself or herself knows the reality that we have not achieved all that our Lord expects of us. We struggle to do good but all too often we fail. We want to love and serve but miss the mark. What are we to do?

In a devotional book titled On Giving Advice to God–Devotions on the Wisdom of God and the Foolishness of Man the author, Daniel Deutschlander, writes:

“So then, what counsel is there for the ‘flawed saint’? It is the counsel that the best and worst need to hear again and again. Look more at Jesus than at yourself! Look more at his wounds than at your own. Look even more at his grace than at your guilt. Look more to the end of the struggle than just to the battle of the moment. For he sees and knows you. He rejoices in your times of standing by him in his afflictions, whether those be his afflictions inside of you as you struggle or those he endures from mockers and unbelievers in the world. Flee every day to the temple of his Word and often to the sanctuary of his Sacrament. There alone you will find strength to continue both the struggle against obvious sin and the struggle against despair and total surrender. There you will find peace in the midst of war, pardon in his presence, and strength in his promises. . . . Remember that it is not our struggles that doom us. It is our surrender, ultimately the surrender that gives up not just on self, but more important, on Jesus and his gospel.” (p. 145)

1 John 2:1–2 (NIV) "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

As Paul began his letter to the Christians in the city of Corinth, he described them as “enriched in every way,” “you do not lack any spiritual gift,” and “He will keep you strong.”

1 Corinthians 1:4–9 NIV
"I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."

If you read the entirety of 1 Corinthians, Paul had to point out some very specific problems and sins that were occurring within this congregation. So which is it? Were they trapped in errors and sins or “enriched in every way”?

Isn’t God’s grace stunning?! He views his weak and sinful people through Jesus Christ. While his Word points out our sins, he also cannot stop speaking about how much he loves those who believe in him.

The specifics of the sins that the people in Corinth struggled with may not be the same as the list that describes you. And yet, brothers and sisters, through faith in Jesus, God forgives you and views you as one of his children who is equipped to serve him. He is faithful to you and will not leave you. Let the peace of his forgiveness comfort you and shape your view of yourself. You belong to the faithful God and so you are ready to be light for the world as you serve him.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

If you were a farmer, the list of failures in Habakkuk 3:17-18 would be devastating. The business faced utter failure.

Habakkuk 3:17–18 (NIV): 

"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior."

To one degree or another, we all face those moments. Life is filled with failures – failures that hurt, frighten, and change the direction of one’s life.

With defiance in his voice, Habakkuk concludes, “yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” The experiences of life do not deter or change the love of God. God’s love was carved in stone when Jesus died and rose for us. His proclamation to all who believe in that Savior is unending and eternal love.

Often times, faith is looking past the experiences of life that are disappointing and difficult and clinging to the promises of God to be with and bless his people. The hurt and failure may not disappear, but the love of God and the assurance of his love never change! In the moments you face, God grant you the defiant faith of Habakkuk to rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in the confidence of goodness for you.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

In Romans we read, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (13:1 NIV). As we celebrate our freedom as Americans, we must always remember that all governments are established by God. He uses our leaders to protect and bless us. He can also use government as an instrument of punishment against sin (think of the empires in the Old Testament used to punish the Israelites who had turned away from God.) Whatever the case, we must remember that God is in charge! Martin Luther said it this way:

God looks upon kings as children look upon playing cards. While they are playing, they hold the cards in their hands; thereafter they fling them into a corner, under the bench, or into the rubbish. God also acts in this way with rulers. While they rule, He considers them good; but as soon as they overdo it, He ‘puts down the mighty from their seats’ (Luke 1:52) and lets them lie as discards.” (What Luther Says, page 579)

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling