Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE HIDDEN TREASURE AND THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

Read Matthew 13:44-46

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

Jesus told these two parables, the hidden treasure in the field and the pearl of great price, in order to illustrate the great value of being a part of God’s kingdom. In these parables, all else was sold and given up in order to possess the hidden treasure or the pearl of great price. So great are the treasures of God’s kingdom that a man, when he finds them, is willing to give up all else to possess them. The treasures of God’s kingdom include complete forgiveness for all sins and the everlasting glories of heaven. What can compare with such blessings?

One who, by the grace of God, comes to know of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life which God offers and gives for the sake of Christ Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross will be willing to give up all else to possess these priceless heavenly treasures. God’s kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and those who have saving faith in Jesus Christ will dwell forever with Him in the mansions of heaven.

When this present world comes to an end, all that we have here will pass away. Nothing we possess here is even worth comparing to the eternal treasures of God’s kingdom. Instead of being weighed down with all the cares and concerns of this life, let us remember the great and eternal blessings which have been won for us by Christ and are offered and given to us through the Gospel. May they be so precious to us that we willingly lay aside all else to possess them.

Jesus, priceless Treasure, Fount of purest pleasure, truest Friend to me. Ah, how long in anguish shall my spirit languish, yearning, Lord, for Thee? Thou art mine, 0 lamb divine! I will suffer naught to hide Thee, naught I ask beside Thee. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #347, Verse 1)

Pastor Randy Moll

Lenten Devotions from Isaiah 53

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

This verse sums it up so well! All of us are like lost and wandering sheep who have turned away from our true Shepherd and Maker. We have each turned aside to go our own way.

What an accurate description! Instead of following the LORD God and living in accord with His perfect will and design for us, we follow our own will and desires, go our own way and direction, and rebel against God and His Word. Instead of loving God and living for Him, we love ourselves and do as we please. Instead of listening to God’s commandments and obeying them, we shut our ears, justify our sins and seek to establish our own compromising values in the place of His absolute truth.

Lost, wandering and scattered sheep, each one going in a different direction, is a picture of our world, with people wandering here and there and looking for life, happiness and fulfillment in everything but the LORD God who created them. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.”

“And the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” God took all our sin and all our guilt and punished it in the innocent sufferings and death of His own beloved Son, Jesus Christ! Our sins and iniquities were placed upon Jesus and He was punished in our stead. That is why darkness covered the earth as Jesus hung there upon the cross; and that is why Jesus cried out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which is to say, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).

Though Jesus died an agonizing and horrible death upon the cross because of our turning away from God and sinning against Him, the beauty in this is that all of our sins and all of our guilt have been punished in Christ Jesus. “It is finished” — the debt of our sins has been paid in full (cf. John 19:30)! Therefore, through faith in Jesus the Messiah and Savior, we have forgiveness and life everlasting!

Instead of being judged and condemned for our own sins, God judged and condemned His own holy and innocent Son and offers and gives to us pardon and peace with Him. What could be more beautiful to the lost and condemned sinner!

O dearest Jesus, we have, like lost sheep, turned and gone our own way. We have sinned against You. Thank You for bearing upon the cross the just punishment for our sins and iniquities. Grant us forgiveness and life with You in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Pastor Randy Moll

The Brief Statement

of the

Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod as adopted in 1932

(Editor’s Note: This remains the official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod yet today, though in practice, many have departed from it.)

Of Man and of Sin

6. We teach that the first man was not brute like nor merely capable of intellectual development, but that God created man in His own image, Gen. 1: 26, 27; Eph. 4: 24; Col. 3: 10, that is, in true knowledge of God and in true righteousness and holiness and endowed with a truly scientific knowledge of nature, Gen. 2:19-23.

7. We furthermore teach that sin came into the world by the fall of the first man, as described Gen. 3. By this Fall not only he himself, but also all his natural offspring have lost the original knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, and thus all men are sinners already by birth, dead in sins, inclined to all evil, and subject to the wrath of God, Rom. 5:12,18; Eph. 2:1-3. We teach also that men are unable, through any efforts of their own or by the aid of culture and science,” to reconcile themselves to God and thus to conquer death and damnation.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 4:43-54. What did Jesus mean by His saying that a prophet has no honor in his own country? How was this true of Jesus? How might it have application today? Why did the people of Galilee receive Jesus? Who came to Jesus in Cana of Galilee? Why? What is a nobleman (basilikos)? What did he ask of Jesus? How far was it from Cana to Capernaum? How did Jesus respond? Why? What was the nobleman’s plea? What did the nobleman fear might happen before Jesus would arrive? How are our prayers like the prayer of the nobleman? What did Jesus say to the nobleman? Why did Jesus say this rather than going down to Capernaum? Did the nobleman believe Jesus’ words even though, at the time, he had no other way to know or see that they were true? Do we believe Jesus’ words to us when He tells us our sins are forgiven, He is preparing a place for us in heaven, He is with us always or He will care for all our needs? Did the nobleman live and act by faith? How? How do we live and act by faith (cf. Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 11)? What happened as the nobleman was on the long walk (or ride) back to Capernaum? What was he told by his servants? What did he ask the servants? What did their answer prove? What was the result of this miracle? What other miracle had Jesus performed in Galilee?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Lord’s Prayer and the Sacraments and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Readings are Psalm 32; Isaiah 12:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; and Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. Please take the time to read them in their context in preparation for Sunday. Who is blessed, according to Psalm 32? Why? What does it mean when the LORD does not impute iniquity? What happens when we are silent about our sins and cover them up? What happens when we acknowledge and confess our sins unto the LORD? How does this compare to what John writes in 1 John 1:5 – 2:2? When should one seek God’s forgiveness? What will the forgiven sinner escape? Who instructs and teaches us in the way we should live? How? What does He use? How are we not to be? Are we ever like a horse or mule? How? What will come upon the wicked? The righteous? How is God’s anger turned away from sinners, as described in Isaiah 12? Who is our salvation? How is this true (cf. Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35)? How do we draw water out of the wells of salvation? Who do we praise for our salvation? Who died for all, according to 2 Corinthians 5? What does this mean for you and me? For whom should we then live? How are we a new creation in Christ? What has passed away? What has become new? How did God reconcile us to Himself? What is the ministry of reconciliation? To whom was God reconciled? How? What is the word of reconciliation? How are we individually reconciled to God? What glorious exchange took place when Jesus went to the cross? How are we counted righteous before God? How is God like the father in the parable of the prodigal son? How are we like the prodigal son? How are we sometime like the older brother? What are the points of Jesus’ parable? How do they apply to you and me?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for the brother of Bonnie Hawes, who has been ill; and for Lillian Pingel, who is recovering from heart issues – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Wednesday evening lenten worship continues tonight. Worship will be at 7 p.m. A light supper will precede the service at 6:20 p.m.

The Church Council will hold its March meeting following lenten worship tonight.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” 2 Corinthians 13:14

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

Many are asking these days why God would allow such a tragedy as the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chili. As a sinful human being with very limited understanding of the ways of God, I will not presume to speak on His behalf and try, as some have done, to explain God’s reasonings for permitting this tragedy to occur. I will, however, let God speak for Himself if any care to listen.

In Luke 13:1ff., Jesus was told of certain Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. Jesus asked, “Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

Applying Jesus’ words to those who died in Haiti or Chili, were these people worse sinners than others, including us, who did not suffer such tragedy? Jesus said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

In 2 Peter 3, the Bible speaks of God’s final judgment upon this earth, and we learn why it has not yet occurred. Verse 9 says: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” The recent events in our world could have just as well struck right here, at home. Stop and think about the possibilities.

Why hasn’t such a tragedy struck us? Why hasn’t God permitted death to come suddenly upon us? His answer: He “is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Perhaps – no, most definitely – we ought to use the remaining time God has given us in this world to consider what He has told us in the Bible, repent of the evil in our lives and seek the forgiveness God offers us through the death and resurrection of His Son!

Jesus added this parable to His words: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down” (Luke 13:6-9).

Our gracious God expects to find fruits of repentance in our lives too. If we are truly sorry for our sinful ways and trust in Christ Jesus for forgiveness, we will not just continue on in our old sinful ways but seek to live for Christ according to His Word. Jesus is patient with us and, by His Spirit, works to strengthen us in the faith and sanctify us that we might live for Him. But ultimately, if we produce no fruit for Him, we, like the fruitless fig tree will be cut down.

Jesus’ words are a warning to us against false security – thinking that all is well with our souls if we are baptized church members while we go our own way and live as we please rather than as God commands in His Word and as God’s Spirit leads us. Unless we repent, we will be cut off and perish.

God is patient with us and desires that we all repent of our foolish and sinful ways and turn to Jesus Christ and His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross for forgiveness and new life in Him. He is patient, but one day that patience will run out and the day of the Lord will come upon us.

O dearest Jesus, forgive my foolishness and sin and teach me to walk in Your ways and live for You in accord with Your holy Word. Grant that I produce the fruits of true repentance in my life and be found to Your praise and glory. I ask this for the sake of Your holy and precious blood shed for the remission of my sins and the sins of the whole world. Amen.

[Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11 (Read v. 1-13)

Most Christians have heard and read of the failings of God’s people Israel. They were all graciously redeemed of the LORD God and delivered from slavery in Egypt, but not all entered into the land of promise.

The Apostle Paul wrote of this to the believers in Corinth: “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”

In the same way as Christians are all baptized into Christ and partake of His body and blood in the Lord’s Supper, so the people of Israel were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They partook of the manna which God provided them and drank water from the spiritual Rock which followed them, which was Christ. Yet “with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”

God’s Word says, “These things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”

What is the apostle saying to us? Just because we have been baptized into Christ and have partaken of Christ does not mean we cannot fall away and lose the salvation God has so graciously provided for us. If we lust after and desire evil things instead of what the LORD God has given us and turn back into sin and unbelief, we too will lose the life Christ Jesus so desires to give us. If we do not walk and live by faith in God and the promises of His Word, we will also, like many of the Israelites, be overthrown in the wilderness of this world.

We ought not ever to think that we are Christian and all is well with our soul if we are living in the sins of the flesh. The Bible clearly warns us: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

True Christians are sorry for their sins, trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice for forgiveness and then, as a fruit of faith, seek to live for Christ in accord with His Word. They are led by God’s indwelling Spirit. Read 1 John 1-2.

Alone, we would most certainly fall and perish. But we have been redeemed by Christ. He walks with us and leads us. His Spirit dwells within us. He is with us always and never permits us to be tempted above that we are able. If we walk with Him, being led by God’s Spirit, He will bring us safely through the wilderness of this world to Himself in heaven.

It is as the Bible says, “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Tim. 4:18).

Dearest Lord Jesus, forgive me for failing to follow You in faith. Lead me in the way everlasting for Your name’s sake. Amen.

[Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible.]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE VINEYARD AND THE HUSBANDMEN

“And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.” Mark 12:1-12

This parable of Jesus was spoken as a warning to the religious leaders of the Jews. The people of Israel were God’s planting, His vineyard. God had redeemed them and made them His own people. The chief priests, scribes and elders were like the wicked husbandmen in this parable. They were entrusted with the task of caring for God’s people by teaching them from the Word of God and leading them in worship. But when God sent His servants, the prophets, to call the people to repentance, the prophets and their message were rejected. Some were even mistreated and killed. God sent John the Baptist to prepare His people for the coming of their Messiah. John called upon all to repent and be baptized that they might receive forgiveness from the Lord, but the religious leaders of the Jews rejected John and his baptism (cf. Luke 7:29-30).

Finally, God sent His own beloved Son; but He and His Word were rejected of them too. Their Christ they handed over to Pontius Pilate to be crucified. The religious leaders of the Jews were to be building the kingdom of God by rightly teaching the Word of God and preparing the people for the coming of their Messiah and Savior; but they laid aside and rejected the Chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ (cf. Psalm 118:22). Instead of pointing people to their Savior, they rejected and killed the very Son of God! Unless they repented, they faced eternal destruction and torment in hell for their rejection of Christ Jesus (cf. John 3:18,36; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Because these leaders of God’s people rejected Christ, God put others in charge of His flock, faithful shepherds who would feed God’s flock with the pure Word of God (cf. Jeremiah 23:1-4).

Pastors today can take admonition from this parable of Jesus too! They are to faithfully proclaim the Doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets – the true Word of God – and they are to faithfully hold up Christ and His redemptive work as the central teaching and cornerstone of the Christian faith. There is salvation in no other (cf. John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

As the Scripture says, Christian pastors are “ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1, 2).

Christian congregations, too, must take great care to build upon Christ and His Word, lest they forsake the only true foundation and set aside the Chief Cornerstone, which is Christ Jesus their Savior. And yet, many churches do just that. They proclaim themselves instead of Christ and their own man-made doctrines rather than the Bible’s doctrine. Instead of listening to those who would call them back to Christ and His Word, they silence them and cast them out.

If Christ and His Word are rejected, God will turn over the care of His Church – His true believers – to others who will be faithful to Him. And God will judge those wicked and unfaithful servants.

This parable of Jesus is a warning and admonition for us to repent and return to Christ and His life-giving Word, to hold fast to Jesus as our Savior and to believe and teach all that God teaches in His Word. It is only in Christ that we have forgiveness for all our sins. It is only in Christ that we have a place in God’s everlasting kingdom. And, it is only in God’s Word that we can hear of and come to know the true Christ.

Bring those into Thy fold who still to Thee are strangers; guard those who are within against offense and dangers. Press onward with Thy Word till pastor and his fold through faith in Thee, O Christ, Thy glory shall behold. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #485, Verse 7)

Pastor Randy Moll

Lenten Devotions from Isaiah 53

“Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5

As Isaiah prophesied, some 700 years before the birth of Messiah Jesus, He bore and carried in His sinless body the curse of our sin against the LORD God. He bore our griefs and sicknesses. He carried our pains and sorrows.

Yet the people of His day, and especially the religious leaders of Israel, viewed the sufferings and death He endured as the just punishment of God upon Him for His claims to be the promised “Son of man” (Daniel 7:13-14), the Christ, the very Son of God and Savior of the world (cf. Matthew 26:63ff.). And today, too, many still view His execution as just because of His messianic claims.

But the real reason for His wounding (literally, his piercing) was our transgression of God’s holy commandments. We have not kept God’s holy and perfect will. We have transgressed in our thoughts, desires, words and deeds. He was bruised and crushed – even forsaken by God the Father – upon the cross because He was bearing in His sinless body the just punishment for your sins, my sins and the sins of the whole world (cf. Matthew 27:46).

It is as the old hymn states: “The sinless Son of God must die in sadness; the sinful child of man may live in gladness; man forfeited his life and is acquitted – God is committed” (Herzliebster Jesu, Johann Heermann, Tr. Catherine Winkworth).

The chastisement – the punishment – that we deserved on account of our sins was laid upon Him that we might be pardoned of God and forgiven. In Jesus and through His innocent sufferings and death in our stead we have forgiveness for all our sins and peace with God our Father. The stripes we deserved were laid upon His back; and because He suffered the punishment we deserved on account of our sins, we are healed and made whole, forgiven and cleansed!

As the Apostle John writes: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin … Jesus Christ the righteous … is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 1:7; 2:1, 2).

While the world passed by the cross of Jesus seeing only the judgment of God, or that of a cruel Roman empire, upon a Jewish Rabbi who dared to challenge the existing religious system of the day, Jesus, the very Son of God and promised Messiah and Savior, was suffering and dying to make atonement for the sins of the world. He was paying the price of your sins and mine that we might have pardon and peace and live forever with God our Maker!

Jesus, Son of God and Savior of the world, thank You for bearing in Your sinless body the sufferings and death that I truly deserve on account of my sins and transgressions. Grant to me pardon and forgiveness and a place in Your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

Pastor Randy Moll

The Brief Statement

of the

Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod as adopted in 1932

(Editor’s Note: This remains the official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod yet today, though in practice, many have departed from it.)

Of Creation

5. We teach that God has created heaven and earth, and that in the manner and in the space of time recorded in the Holy Scriptures, especially Gen 1 and 2, namely, by His almighty creative word, and in six days. We reject every doctrine which denies or limits the work of creation as taught in Scripture. In our days it is denied or limited by those who assert, ostensibly in deference to science, that the world came into existence through a process of evolution; that is, that it has, in immense periods of time, developed more or less out of itself. Since no man was present when it pleased God to create the world, we must look for a reliable account of creation to God’s own record, found in God’s own book, the Bible. We accept God’s own record with full confidence and confess with Luther’s Catechism: “I believe that God has made me and all creatures.”

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 4:43-54. What did Jesus mean by His saying that a prophet has no honor in his own country? How was this true of Jesus? How might it have application today? Why did the people of Galilee receive Jesus? Who came to Jesus in Cana of Galilee? Why? What is a nobleman (basilikos)? What did he ask of Jesus? How far was it from Cana to Capernaum? How did Jesus respond? Why? What was the nobleman’s plea? What did the nobleman fear might happen before Jesus would arrive? How are our prayers like the prayer of the nobleman? What did Jesus say to the nobleman? Why did Jesus say this rather than going down to Capernaum? Did the nobleman believe Jesus’ words even though, at the time, he had no other way to know or see that they were true? Do we believe Jesus’ words to us when He tells us our sins are forgiven, He is preparing a place for us in heaven, He is with us always or He will care for all our needs? Did the nobleman live and act by faith? How? How do we live and act by faith (cf. Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 11)? What happened as the nobleman was on the long walk (or ride) back to Capernaum? What was he told by his servants? What did he ask the servants? What did their answer prove? What was the result of this miracle? What other miracle had Jesus performed in Galilee?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Lord’s Prayer and the Sacraments and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Readings are Psalm 85; Ezekiel 33:7-20; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; and Luke 13:1-9. Please take the time to read them and their context in preparation for Sunday. What does God require of watchmen? Who has God placed over us to watch over our souls (cf. Hebrews 13:17)? What does God desire us to do? What are we to learn from the sins and failings of the children of Israel in the wilderness? How do these words apply to you and me? Who is at fault when people’s lives are suddenly cut off by tragedy or disaster? What does Jesus say? What would He have us do?What warning is contained in Jesus’ parable of the fig tree?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for the brother of Bonnie Hawes, who has been ill; and for Lillian Pingel, who is recovering from heart issues – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship continues tonight. Worship will be at 7 p.m. A light supper will precede the service at 6:20 p.m.

The Church Council will hold its March meeting following Lenten Worship on March 10.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.” Psalm 128:5-6

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE WEDDING BANQUET

Read Matthew 22:1-14

“And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.”

The chief priests and Pharisees, along with many of the Jews, rejected Jesus and would not trust in Him for the forgiveness of their sins and a place in God’s eternal kingdom. God’s servants, the apostles and prophets, proclaimed to them the way of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus; but they made light of God’s gracious invitation and even mistreated and killed God’s servants.

With the parable of the king who made a marriage supper for his son, Jesus illustrated to his hearers how they were rejecting God’s gracious invitation to have part in His kingdom and partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb through faith in His own dear Son, Jesus Christ (cf. Rev. 19:7ff.). As described in Jesus’ parable, the city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants were judged of God for their rejection of Christ Jesus. The city was destroyed and burned with fire, and its inhabitants were either killed or carried away captive. (This was done by the Roman armies in 70 A.D.)

The LORD God has also sent His servants out to invite others to have part in His eternal kingdom through faith in Christ. The Gospel has been preached, not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles around the world; and many have heeded God’s gracious invitation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, many have received forgiveness of sins and will partake of the eternal joys of heaven. They are clothed, not with their own sin-tainted righteousness, but with the perfect righteousness of Christ. It is only for the sake of Christ and His innocent sufferings and death in their stead that they are acceptable to God and have a place in His kingdom.

But, like the man who came without a wedding garment, there are also many who try to earn a place in God’s kingdom by their own sin-tainted works rather than simply receiving the righteousness of Christ which is ours through faith. Such, who attempt to partake of God’s eternal kingdom clothed in the spotted garment of the flesh rather than in the righteousness of Christ, will be cast out into the darkness and eternal torment of hell.

God’s gracious invitation goes out to all, but only the elect of God heed the Gospel call and trust in Christ alone for eternal salvation (cf. II Tim. 1:9; Eph. 1:3ff.; Acts 13:48). It is only by the grace of God that we who trust in Christ have heeded the Gospel invitation (Eph. 2:8-9). But we also need to beware lest we take that invitation lightly or begin to depend upon our own sin-tainted righteousness rather than trusting in the perfect righteousness of Christ our Savior.

Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness my beauty are, my glorious dress; midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, with joy shall I lift up my head. Bold shall I stand in that great Day, for who aught to my charge shall lay? Fully thro’ these absolved I am from sin and fear, from guilt and shame. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #371, Verses 1-2)

Pastor Randy Moll

Lenten Devotions from Isaiah 53

“Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:1-3

Who believes what the Scriptures say of Jesus? Who believes that He is the long promised Messiah and the Savior of sinful mankind? Writing some 700 years before the birth of Messiah Jesus, Isaiah the prophet spoke of His coming, His sufferings, death, resurrection, and of His rejection by the people. And these words still hold true today!

Jesus, the arm of the LORD, the promised Messiah and Savior of the world, grew up before the LORD God humbly, “as a tender plant,” and in an unexpected time and place, being born of a virgin named Mary and growing up in Nazareth of Galilee “as a root out of a dry ground.” His form and appearance was nothing unusual so as to draw people to Him or permit them to recognize Him as the Messiah.

As Jesus carried out His ministry, calling upon all to repent and believe the good news of forgiveness and life in Him, He was despised and rejected. The religious leaders of Israel hated Him and viewed Him as a threat to their system of worship and sacrifice. The religiously conservative Pharisees hated Him because He pointed out their inner transgressions and failures to keep God’s law by loving God first and foremost and then also loving their neighbor as themselves. The liberal Sadducees hated Him because He pointed out their unbelief and rejection of the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. Many of the common people recognized His great power and longed to see His miracles; but still, for the most part, they failed to recognize Him as the holy Son of God come into this world a true man to save sinners.

And what is different today? Who believes and recognizes that this Jesus is the LORD God Himself in human flesh? Who comes to Him in repentance and trusts that in Him there is forgiveness and life everlasting?

The Jesus of the Bible is a threat to many religious leaders of our day because He does not teach that we can get to heaven by our good deeds, our religious works and services, by church membership or by charitable contributions to worthy causes. He still calls upon all to repent of their sinful ways and turn to Him for forgiveness and life! The Jesus of the Bible is too merciful for many of the religiously conservative, for He associates with the worst of sinners and offers them forgiveness and life through faith in Him. On the other hand, He is too zealous for the truth for the religious liberals of our day, for He taught the absolute truth of Scripture and yielded not a jot or tittle of God’s Word to popular opinion, holding to the Genesis creation, a bodily resurrection, a final judgment and a literal heaven and hell.

Though Jesus came into this world to take our place under God’s law, to bear our griefs and sorrows and to suffer and die in our stead, He is still “despised and rejected of men.” We hide our faces from Him and neglect the great salvation He has won for us by His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross. Instead of taking the time to consider Jesus, who He is and what He has done for us, we value Him lightly and neglect the gracious gift of forgiveness and life which God desires to give us. Instead of considering the pain and anguish He suffered for us when He bore the guilt and punishment for our sins and the sins of all, we turn our heads and walk away in apathy and unbelief.

Yes, the inspired words of Isaiah the prophet still hold true today, but more importantly, they reveal to us the truth of who Jesus was and is. They point us to Jesus, the Messiah and Savior rejected by men. They tell us what He suffered in our stead to save us from the punishment we so deserve. They offer to us forgiveness and life in Jesus’ name!

O dear Jesus, forgive me for failing to consider and recognize You for who You are and for all that You suffered that I might have forgiveness for all my sins and life everlasting with You in heaven. Amen.

Pastor Randy Moll

Editor’s Note: The Brief Statement article on Holy Scriptures is being reprinted here because the last word of the article, “faith,” was accidentally omitted from this section last week.

The Brief Statement

of the

Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod as adopted in 1932

(Editor’s Note: This remains the official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod yet today, though in practice, many have departed from it.)

Of the Holy Scriptures

1. We teach that the Holy Scriptures differ from all other books in the world in that they are the Word of God. They are the Word of God because the holy men of God who wrote the Scriptures wrote only that which the Holy Ghost communicated to them by inspiration, 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1: 21. We teach also that the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures is not a so-called “theological deduction,” but that it is taught by direct statements of the Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3:16; John 10:35; Rom. 3:2; 1 Cor. 2:13. Since the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God, it goes without saying that they contain no errors or contradictions, but that they are in all their parts and words the infallible truth, also in those parts which treat of historical, geographical, and other secular matters, John 10:35.

2. We furthermore teach regarding the Holy Scriptures that they are given by God to the Christian Church for the foundation of faith, Eph. 2:20. Hence the Holy Scriptures are the sole source from which all doctrines proclaimed in the Christian Church must be taken and therefore, too, the sole rule and norm by which all teachers and doctrines must be examined and judged. With the Confessions of our Church, we teach also that the “rule of faith” (analogia fidei) according to which the Holy Scriptures are to be understood are the clear passages of the Scriptures themselves which set forth the individual doctrines. (Apology. Triglot, p. 441, @_ 60; Mueller, p. 284). The rule of faith is not the man-made so-called “totality of Scripture” (“Ganzes der Schrift”).

3. We reject the doctrine which under the name of science has gained wide popularity in the Church of our day that Holy Scripture is not in all its parts the Word of God, but in part the Word of God and in part the word of man and hence does, or at least, might, contain error. We reject this erroneous doctrine as horrible and blasphemous, since it flatly contradicts Christ and His holy apostles, sets up men as judges over the Word of God, and thus overthrows the foundation of the Christian Church and its faith.

Of God

On the basis of the Holy Scriptures we teach the sublime article of the Holy Trinity; that is, we teach that the one true God, Deut 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4, is the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, three distinct persons, but of one and the same divine essence, equal in power, equal in eternity, equal in majesty, because each person possesses the one divine essence entire, Col. 2:9; Matt. 28:19. We hold that all teachers and communions that deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity are outside the pale of the Christian Church. The Triune God is the God who is gracious to man, John 3:16-18; 1 Cor. 12:3. Since the Fall no man can believe in the “fatherhood” of God except he believe in the eternal Son of God, who became man and reconciled us to God by His vicarious satisfaction, 1 John 2:23; John 14:6. Hence we warn against Unitarianism, which in our country has to a great extent impenetrated the sects and is spread particularly also through the influence of the lodges.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 4:1-42. Why did Jesus leave Judea? Which route did He take back to Galilee? At what city did Jesus stop? Why? What is significant about the location? Who met Jesus there? What did Jesus ask of her? How did she respond? Why do the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans? What did Jesus tell the woman in verse 10? How is this a fitting response yet today? How did the woman respond? What did Jesus tell her? What is the living water which Jesus offered (cf. Isaiah 12; John 7:37-39)? How does Jesus offer and give this water even yet today? Did the woman understand Jesus? What did she say? What did Jesus tell her to do? What did He say to her when she said she had no husband? Is there anything about us He does not know? Read Psalm 90:8. What did the woman then say of Jesus? What question did she ask Him? What is the significance of her question? How did Jesus answer? What does Jesus answer mean? How does that apply to our worship yet today? What did the woman say the Messiah would do when He came? Why? Cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Who did Jesus claim to be? At what were Jesus’ disciples amazed when they returned? Did they say anything to Jesus about it? What did the woman do when Jesus’ disciples returned? Who did she tell? How? What did she tell them? What was the result? What did Jesus say when His disciples offered Him food? What did He mean? What was Jesus’ food? To what did Jesus compare the men of Samaria coming to Him? How is it true that one sowed and another reaped? How is this true today in evangelism and mission work? Why did some of the people believe that Jesus was their Messiah and Savior? Why did many more come to believe? What did they say to the woman? How is this true today in evangelism and mission work? How can we apply this to our witness for Christ?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Readings are Psalm 4; Jeremiah 26:8-15; Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Luke 13:31-35. Please take the time to read them and their context in preparation for Sunday. The sermon text will be the Gospel Lesson. Why did certain of the Pharisees warn Jesus? What did they tell Him? How did Jesus respond? What does this mean? What did Jesus say of Jerusalem? How is this true? How do Jesus’ words apply yet today – to those around us and possibly even to you and to me?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dick Rusch, who is scheduled to undergo surgery this week; Sarah Hardigan, who is having trouble in the early stages of pregnancy; for Ron Wellander, who continues his recovery after surgery; for the brother of Bonnie Hawes, who has been ill; and for Lillian Pingel, who is recovering from heart issues – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Haiti, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship continues tonight. Worship will be at 7 p.m. A light supper will precede the service at 6:20 p.m.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

Jude 24-25

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14-16

When temptation comes, so often we fall. Whether the temptation arises from within ourselves – from our old evil and sinful nature – or comes from outside of us – in the form of temptations from the devil himself or allurements from other people and the world around us – we seldom offer much resistance. We doubt God’s Word, or take it lightly, and yield ourselves to disobedience and sin.

Our Lord Jesus, too, endured temptation, but He did not give in and sin. Rather, He trusted in the truthfulness of God and His Word and used the Word of God to resist the temptations placed before Him by the devil (Read Luke 4:1-13; cf. Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13).

After His baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. We don’t know what all those temptations were, but as the Scripture says, Jesus was “forty days tempted of the devil” (Luke 4:2). As the children of Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness, with many falling into unbelief and sin, so Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, enduring temptation of the same old evil foe who brought about the demise of so many in the wilderness centuries before. But Jesus did not sin. He was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

After fasting there and being without food for 40 days and 40 nights, “the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.” Certainly Jesus could have done so. He was and is the very Son of God, the Creator of all. And so, why not? He was hungry. He had the power. He could prove Himself the Son of God. But Jesus didn’t. He replied with a quote from Deuteronomy 8:3, Jesus said, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” What was more important here? Having food to eat? Or trusting in the LORD God and the promises of His Word – including the promises to supply all our needs?

The devil, took Jesus up into a high mountain and shewed unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time – could he have taken Jesus up to Mt. Pisgah, where God showed Moses all the land of promise? – “and the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.”

Jesus had come into the world to establish a kingdom. God the Father promised Him all the peoples and nations of the world as His inheritance (cf. Psalm 2; Daniel 7:14). So again, why not? All He had to do is fall down and worship Satan once. But Jesus again responded from the book of Deuteronomy (6:13; 13:4), saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

And Satan brought Jesus to Jerusalem “and set Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto Him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Satan now used Scripture (Psalm 91:11-12) in this third attempt to cause Jesus to sin. It was as if Satan were telling Jesus to prove His identity as the Son of God and to prove His trust in God’s care and protection by putting God to the test and throwing Himself off the top of the temple, trusting that God would indeed send His angels to bear Him up and prevent Him from being harmed.

Again Jesus responded with Scripture from the book of Deuteronomy (6:16), “It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” In the same way as it is sin to take matters into our own hands and not trust in the LORD God to keep His Word, so it is sin to misuse God’s Word and foolishly put God to the test.

Have we ever had similar temptations? Are we ever tempted to take matters into our own hands rather than living day-to-day trusting in the promises of God’s Word? To go out and get what we desire instead of waiting for God to give us what we truly need? Are we ever tempted to compromise our faith in order to gain the power and riches of this world? Are we ever tempted to put God to the test, expecting Him to keep us from suffering the consequences of our own foolishness? Has Satan ever said to us, “If you’re really a child of God, prove it by demanding miracles, wealth, power, prestige and the like? Have we ever fallen? Have we taken Satan’s offer rather than trusting and waiting for God to fulfill His words?

Though we have so often come short and fallen into unbelief and sin, Jesus did not. Jesus “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Rather than doubting God and His Word, Jesus used God’s Word to fend off the attacks of the devil (cf. Psalm 119:9-11). And how important this is to us as sinners to have a Savior who was tempted but did not sin! Jesus fulfilled all righteousness for us, being perfect and without sin. And He then went to the cross and suffered our punishment that we might receive God’s mercy and forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. Because Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are and did not sin, He could suffer and die for the sins of the whole world. He, as the spotless Lamb of God, made atonement for us and won for us salvation.

Because Jesus endured temptation and did not sin, and because He suffered, died and paid in full for our sins and the sins of the whole world, we have forgiveness and life in Him. He, as our high priest, offered up Himself in our stead, once for all, that we might receive God’s grace and favor. For that reason, we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” God grant that we do turn to Him for mercy and grace!

[Scripture Quotations from the King James Version of the Bible]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE GREAT SUPPER

“And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” Luke 14:15-24

Jesus told this parable in the home of one of the chief Pharisees. When Jesus made mention of “the resurrection of the just,” someone said, “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” To this Jesus responded with the parable of the “Great Supper.”

Since someone at the meal had just spoken of the great blessings of which those who enter God’s eternal kingdom of glory will partake, Jesus spoke this parable to warn His Jewish audience concerning their rejection of God’s invitation to take part in this kingdom. They had the promises of the Old Testament Scriptures concerning the coming Messiah and Savior and His eternal kingdom, and they were called and invited by God to be a part of this kingdom through faith in the Messiah and Savior. Yet when Jesus – that promised Messiah and Savior – appeared to redeem all mankind by His holy life and innocent sufferings and death, and when the Gospel invitation went out again: “Come, for all things are now ready,” did they come? No, they excused themselves for various reasons. They were too concerned about worldly things and too deceived by their own false religious beliefs to see God’s kingdom or enter into it. Jesus warns that those who reject God’s gracious invitation to enter His eternal kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ will never taste the blessings of salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus.

God has also graciously invited us out of the streets and lanes, highways and hedges, to “come, for all things are now ready.” Jesus Christ, by His holy life and innocent sufferings and death for all men, has won for us forgiveness of sins, life and a place in God’s eternal, heavenly kingdom! Let us not be so busy with the things of this world that we neglect to hear and accept God’s gracious invitation in Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus, Today Thy mercy calls us to wash away our sin. However great our trespass, whatever we have been, how ever long from mercy our hearts have turned away, Thy precious blood can cleanse us and make us white today. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal., Hymn #279, Verse 1)

Pastor Randy Moll

Why Does God Allow This Evil World Go On?

Perhaps you’ve heard someone ask the question: “If God is a good God, why does He allow so much evil to go on in our world?” This is a good question for all of us to consider, but the answer comes much closer to our own lives than we might think.

What happens when God puts an end to evil? Old Testament Israel and Judah were conquered by enemy nations because of their evil, and those who survived the sieges and battles were carried away into exile. God rained down fire and brimstone upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their surrounding communities because of their evil. Only Lot and two of his daughters escaped. The world was filled with evil, much like our day, back in Genesis 6, and God destroyed every person and land animal in the Great Flood. Only Noah, his family and the animals on the ark were graciously spared. So, what if God were to put an end to evil in the world? What would happen? Would we escape? Are we without sin and evil in our own lives?

In fact, the Bible tells us that God is going to put an end to evil in this world very soon! St. Peter writes, in his second epistle: “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7). Paul also wrote to the Thessalonian Christians that “the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power; when He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe….” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; cf. Revelation 20:10 and 21:8).

Why hasn’t God already come in judgment and put an end to evil in the world? Peter writes again: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:9-10).

So, the Day of the Lord is coming! God will put an end to evil in this world! But why the delay? He is being patient with us, not wanting any of us to be condemned and perish along with the wicked on that day, but desiring that we repent of our evil ways and trust in the Son, Jesus Christ, for salvation! God is allowing this evil world to go on a little longer to allow us time to repent and be saved!

God sent His Son into this world, a true man, that He might live a righteous and holy life for us and then suffer and die upon the cross for our sins. Jesus did this for us and rose again, ascending to the right hand of God the Father. He sent His Holy Spirit into this world to convince us of our sins and to bring us to faith in Jesus, our Savior. And, when the last of God’s elect turn to Christ for forgiveness of sins and life, the end will come.

That is also why our Lord Jesus commanded us to go “into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” adding, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15, 16). Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20). He desires all to repent of their evil ways and place their faith and confidence in Him.

This evil world and its works will be burned up, and all who do not repent will suffer forever in the eternal fires of hell! But, having been saved by the grace and mercy of God, “we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13; cf. Revelation 21:1ff.)!

So, why does our good God allow this sin-filled and evil world to go on? He is being good, merciful, and patient toward you, me and all mankind, allowing a little more time for us to repent and be saved through faith in His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Pastor Randy Moll

The Brief Statement

of the

Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod as adopted in 1932

(Editor’s Note: This remains the official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod yet today though, in practice, many have departed from it.)

Of the Holy Scriptures

1. We teach that the Holy Scriptures differ from all other books in the world in that they are the Word of God. They are the Word of God because the holy men of God who wrote the Scriptures wrote only that which the Holy Ghost communicated to them by inspiration, 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1: 21. We teach also that the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures is not a so-called “theological deduction,” but that it is taught by direct statements of the Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3:16; John 10:35; Rom. 3:2; 1 Cor. 2:13. Since the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God, it goes without saying that they contain no errors or contradictions, but that they are in all their parts and words the infallible truth, also in those parts which treat of historical, geographical, and other secular matters, John 10:35.

2. We furthermore teach regarding the Holy Scriptures that they are given by God to the Christian Church for the foundation of faith, Eph. 2:20. Hence the Holy Scriptures are the sole source from which all doctrines proclaimed in the Christian Church must be taken and therefore, too, the sole rule and norm by which all teachers and doctrines must be examined and judged. With the Confessions of our Church, we teach also that the “rule of faith” (analogia fidei) according to which the Holy Scriptures are to be understood are the clear passages of the Scriptures themselves which set forth the individual doctrines. (Apology. Triglot, p. 441, @_ 60; Mueller, p. 284). The rule of faith is not the man-made so-called “totality of Scripture” (“Ganzes der Schrift”).

3. We reject the doctrine which under the name of science has gained wide popularity in the Church of our day that Holy Scripture is not in all its parts the Word of God, but in part the Word of God and in part the word of man and hence does, or at least, might, contain error. We reject this erroneous doctrine as horrible and blasphemous, since it flatly contradicts Christ and His holy apostles, sets up men as judges over the Word of God, and thus overthrows the foundation of the Christian Church and its faith.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 4:1-42. Why did Jesus leave Judea? Which route did He take back to Galilee? At what city did Jesus stop? Why? What is significant about the location? Who met Jesus there? What did Jesus ask of her? How did she respond? Why do the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans? What did Jesus tell the woman in verse 10? How is this a fitting response yet today? How did the woman respond? What did Jesus tell her? What is the living water which Jesus offered (cf. Isaiah 12; John 7:37-39)? How does Jesus offer and give this water even yet today? Did the woman understand Jesus? What did she say? What did Jesus tell her to do? What did He say to her when she said she had no husband? Is there anything about us He does not know? Read Psalm 90:8. What did the woman then say of Jesus? What question did she ask Him? What is the significance of her question? How did Jesus answer? What does Jesus answer mean? How does that apply to our worship yet today? What did the woman say the Messiah would do when He came? Why? Cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Who did Jesus claim to be? At what were Jesus’ disciples amazed when they returned? Did they say anything to Jesus about it? What did the woman do when Jesus’ disciples returned? Who did she tell? How? What did she tell them? What was the result? What did Jesus say when His disciples offered Him food? What did He mean? What was Jesus’ food? To what did Jesus compare the men of Samaria coming to Him? How is it true that one sowed and another reaped? How is this true today in evangelism and mission work? Why did some of the people believe that Jesus was their Messiah and Savior? Why did many more come to believe? What did they say to the woman? How is this true today in evangelism and mission work? How can we apply this to our witness for Christ?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Readings are Psalm 91; Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Romans 10:8-13; and Luke 4:1-13. Please take the time to read them and their context in preparation for Sunday. The sermon text will be the Gospel Lesson. When was Jesus tempted? Where? Who led Him there? How long did Jesus fast? What were the temptations put forth by the devil? How were these indeed temptations for Jesus? How did Jesus resist each temptation? From which book of the Bible did Jesus quote in each of His answers? Did the devil also use Scripture? How? What is so significant about this temptation account for our salvation? What can we learn from Jesus in dealing with the many temptations we face, whether from the devil, the world or our own flesh?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom, but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Sarah Hardigan who is having trouble in the early stages of pregnancy, for Ron Wellander who underwent surgery and is recovering, and for Bonnie Hawes who underwent tests – for those who have been absent from us, for our students who are away at school, for our extended families and friends, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Haiti, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship begins tonight, Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. Worship will be at 7 p.m. A Soup and Sandwich Supper will precede the service at 6:20 p.m.

The Church Council will hold its February meeting following the Feb. 17 Lenten service.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Hebrews 13:20-21

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

“Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.” John 4:46-53

Are we willing to take Jesus at His word or must we see to believe? When Jesus returned to Cana in Galilee, a certain official at Capernaum whose son was sick and at the point of death heard of Jesus’ return and went to Jesus for help. He begged Jesus to come down to Capernaum and heal his son.

Those who have had children sick and facing death can understand this royal official’s desperation. All seemed hopeless. Only a miracle could save this man’s son, and he had heard of Jesus’ power to work just such miracles. If only Jesus would make the trek down to Capernaum in time!

How did Jesus respond to the nobleman’s request? He said, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” And it’s true. Think of Martha’s words to Jesus when Lazarus died: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (John 11:21). And we might think the same thing as we stand at the bedside of a dying loved one: “If only Jesus were here, he wouldn’t die.”

But wait, Jesus is here. He’s present everywhere. He’s with us always, even to the end of the world (cf. Matthew 28:20). Do we have to see His presence to believe He’s with us? Do we have to see Him lay His hands on the sick and dying to know that He has done so? Must we see signs and wonders with our own eyes before we believe? Is it not enough to read of His mighty works in the pages of Scripture, hear of His love and mercy toward us and know that He Himself died for all our sins, rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God the father?

And if we see no miracle, has none occurred? If a loved one dies in the Lord Jesus rather than being restored to health and life here in this world, is not this an even greater miracle? Think about it. Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose again. His Holy Spirit raised up our loved one’s soul, which was dead in sin and unbelief, to faith and life in Christ Jesus. For Christ’s sake, a soul destined to eternal damnation in hell has received God’s pardon and forgiveness and was restored to fellowship with God and destined to the eternal joys of heaven. When that loved one died a temporal death, God’s angels came and carried his or her soul into the very presence of Christ our Savior. Is not this a greater miracle than any temporal healing we might see with our earthly eyes? We cannot see it now, but when we get home we shall see!

When the nobleman said to Jesus, “Sir, come down ere my child die,” Jesus said to him, “Go thy way; thy son liveth.” Jesus wanted this man to trust Him and take Him at His word — He challenged this man’s faith. And, indeed, when we think about it, wasn’t it better that this man’s sick son be healed immediately rather than waiting another day while Jesus walked from Cana down to Capernaum?

Jesus wants us to take Him at His word as well. He promises us forgiveness for all our sins and life eternal with Him in heaven through faith in His name. We can’t see these blessings now, but they are ours just the same. Must we see signs and wonders to know His word to us is true? Must we speak in tongues or work miracles in Jesus’ name before we can believe we are really forgiven and have a place in God’s eternal kingdom?

Knowing our weaknesses, Jesus does give us visible means connected with His Word that we might take hold of and receive the promises. That we might know our sins are washed away and forgiven and that we are born anew as God’s children, He gave us the waters of baptism. Water is used by God’s command and connected with His Word of promise, and through it He washes away all our sins for Jesus’ sake, regenerates us and make us children of God by the gracious working of the Holy Spirit (cf. Titus 3:4-7). In and with the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper, Christ Jesus gives us His body and blood which were given and shed for the remission of our sins — all that we might be assured of full and complete forgiveness as we partake of the sacrificial “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

The Bible tells us that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). When this nobleman heard the words of Jesus, he “believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.”

Now think of Jesus’ words to us: “Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2); “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20); or “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2, 3). Jesus spoke these words and they are recorded for us that we, too, might believe. Through these and many other passages of Scripture, He assures us of eternal salvation — of a place in His everlasting kingdom!

We may not be able to see all these blessings now — we can only take Jesus at His word and live our lives here in confidence — but when we get home, we’ll see that His words are true. God did indeed forgive all our sins for the sake of Jesus’ innocent sufferings and death in our stead. God was watching over us, caring for us and preserving us in the faith throughout our earthly lives. Heaven is real, and Messiah Jesus did prepare a place for you and me to dwell with Him there in the mansions of His Father’s house.

In fact, when we get home, we’ll be amazed and struck with awe at the blessings which are ours in Christ Jesus — blessings which we didn’t begin to fathom here in this world! The Bible tells us “That in the ages to come” our gracious God will show us “the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).

Yes, when we get home, not only will we see that Christ Jesus our Savior lives, we will see that we indeed live forever in Him!

O gracious God, grant us faith to take Jesus at His word until that day when we go home and see with our own eyes that all He has promised us is true! Amen.

[Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible.]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE CORN OF WHEAT

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:23-25

When a kernel of wheat is safely kept and preserved, it remains only one kernel of wheat. If, however, it is planted in the ground, it will produce many more kernels of wheat.

Jesus used this illustration from nature to point out that He, should He preserve His life and be unwilling to die for the sins of the world, would remain alone and save no one. But by dying on the cross for the sins of mankind and being buried in the tomb, He would produce much fruit. He would provide salvation for all mankind, and all who believe on Him would be saved.

Jesus did not try to preserve his earthly life and avoid suffering the just punishment for our sins. He obeyed God’s Law perfectly in our stead and then willingly laid down His life for us sinners. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…He was buried…He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3,4). Like the grain of wheat that must sacrifice itself in order to produce more wheat, so Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself to save mankind from sin and its eternal punishment. He died that sinful men like you and me might receive forgiveness for all their sins and become children of God through faith in Him. His resurrection on the third day is proof that His holy sacrifice was acceptable to God as full payment for the sins of the world (Rom. 4:25).

This little illustration of the kernel of wheat can also be applied to our lives. We cannot save ourselves or anyone else from sin and hell by our death; but since Christ has redeemed us by His innocent sufferings and death, we are to live our lives for Him (2 Cor. 5:15). If in this life we try to live for ourselves and are unwilling to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him by living in accord with His Word, if we are not willing to deny ourselves, take up the cross of suffering which we must bear as faithful Christians and follow Jesus Christ, then we will end up losing our lives forever!

But if we truly trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior and set our hope upon eternal life with Him in heaven, we will then lay down the worldly goals and pleasures of this life and live our lives for the Lord Jesus, who has redeemed us from sin and eternal damnation and has given to us everlasting life with Him in heaven. If we let the Lord Jesus use our life for His purposes, He can produce fruit in our lives and through us save others.

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

Grant that I only Thee may love and seek those things which are above till I behold Thee face to face, 0 Light eternal, through Thy grace. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #398, Verse 4)

Pastor Randy Moll

Appreciating our church membership:

Its blessing and its responsibilities

Dr. C.F.W. Walther

The glory of a congregation depends not on the size of its membership but consists in this, that its members are members of that body of which Christ is the Head, namely, that they are truly converted, believing Christians.

When Christians unite with a Christian congregation, they do so, not because they think that this outward act will make them Christians or in order to earn some kind of reward either here or hereafter. But being already sanctified and blessed children of God, they want to join also in outward fellowship those who belong to the Communion of Saints.

When a person becomes a member of a Christian congregation, many in our day ridicule him, asserting that he has taken a foolish step and will only heap shame upon his head.

Alas! Also many members of a Lutheran congregation do not prize their membership properly. They regret that so great a sacrifice of time and money is required. Theirs is a privilege to attend worship and to partake of the Lord’s Supper, but they rarely make use of it. Theirs is the privilege to take part in the meetings of the congregation, to join in the discussions, and to cast their vote; but hardly do they ever make use of it. They look upon their membership as a burden rather than an honor. Such people betray their spiritual blindness!

It is considered a great honor even today when a city which enjoys rare privileges extends honorary citizenship to some famous person. And yet, dear brethren, such citizenship cannot be compared with the privileges which membership in a Christian congregation carries with it.

A citizen is assured human protection; a member of a congregation, divine protection. A citizen enjoys earthy privileges; a member of a congregation, heavenly privileges. A citizen is part of a temporal kingdom; a member of a congregation, of an eternal kingdom. A citizen deals with temporal issues; a member of a congregation, with eternal issues. A citizen must acknowledge profane persons as fellow citizens; a member of a congregation is a fellow citizen with the saints, and a member of the household of God. A citizen, at best elects earthly rulers; a member of a congregation, stewards of the mysteries of God. The greatest benefit accruing to a citizen is that under good government he may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty; church membership, however, offers something far greater – forgiveness of sins, peace of conscience, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and finally eternal life. A citizen is the subject of a government composed of mortal men like himself; a member of a congregation is subject to the Son of God, but at the same time a King, a Priest and a Prophet. A citizen may gain honor before men; a member of a congregation is privileged to look forward to eternal glory, to a state of everlasting bliss in the presence of God.

Woe unto those who despise the privileges of church membership! Some day they will regret it. Blessed are you who have sought and found those privileges. God grant that both you and we make proper use of those privileges!

Some people cling to the opinion that a person must continue in that church body into which he was born, and in which he received his early religious training, and was confirmed. Such people are greatly in error.

If a person, who has received his religious instruction in a church whose doctrine disagrees with the Bible, later comes to recognize the errors of his church, it is his sacred duty to sever his connections with it. For it is written: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 10, 11). “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Titus 3:10, 11). “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

If everyone were compelled to adhere through life to that religious system under which he was born, the heathen would have to remain heathen, the Jew a Jew, the papist a papist. Then Luther would have sinned by leaving the church of Rome. Then he should not have undertaken the great work of reforming the church. Then it would not have been necessary even for the Son of God to come into the world and found the New Testament Church.

It is an indisputable fact that we must leave a church whose doctrines are contrary to the Bible, even though on the day of confirmation we have sworn loyalty to it. On the other hand, it is equally certain that whoever was born, reared and confirmed in the church of the pure Word must remain in it and rather suffer death even, than fall away from it. Whoever does not take sides with those who stand for Christ and His pure Word, neither takes sides with Christ.

Oh, do remain true to your pledge! Join us in standing for the pure doctrine of the divine Word, and permit neither your reason nor your heart, nor earthly advantages, nor obstinacy, nor ill will or a grudge against someone to come between you and our flock and cause you to depart from us. But join us also in separating yourselves from the world, in renouncing the service of sin, and in fighting the gallant fight against the world, your sinful flesh and the devil.

You will never regret such loyalty; rather, you will rejoice when on your deathbed you will be able to say with Paul: “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8). May Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of Mary, grant this unto you and all of us!

Many think that, if they do what a Christian is supposed to do, they are good Christians. Such people are greatly mistaken. Many things, though expected of us as Christians, do not in themselves make us Christians. Let me cite some instances:

To be a Christian, it is essential to pray diligently. He who does not pray is not a Christian. And yet, if a person prays diligently, that in itself does not make him a Christian.

To be a Christian, we must hear the Word of God diligently. We must be honest in business, truthful in our talk, liberal toward the needy; we must obey our parents, serve them and give back to them as much as possible for what they have done for us. We must be industrious in our calling; we must forsake the world and its vanity. We must pay our debts.

But even if we live up to all these requirements, this alone does not make us Christians! What, then, does? St. Paul answers this question in his Epistle to the Galatians: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature” (Galatians 6: 15 ). What he means by that he makes clear in another place of the same Epistle: “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (Galatians 5: 6).

Wherein does true faith consist … that faith which makes us Christians? It is a confidence produced by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of contrite sinners, the assurance that his sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake, that God is gracious to him, that He (God) has accepted him into His grace and favor, and that he is a child of God and an heir of everlasting life.

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about the Sanctity of Life? Please consider the statement below and look up the Bible passages.

SANCTITY OF LIFE

We believe that every human life is a creation of God and that every human life is precious to God, for God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7,21-22; 9:5-6; Psalm 139:13-16). We also believe that, except in the cases of punishing evildoers and waging just wars to protect life and property, God has reserved for Himself the right to end or destroy a human life (Genesis 9:5-6; Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:14; Exodus 20:13; Psalm 31:15; 39:4-5; 90:1-3; Job 14:1-12; Acts 17:24-28). Therefore, we must condemn as murder and sin the practice of euthanasia, self inflicted death (suicide), and all other unjustified taking of human life.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 4:1-26. Why did Jesus leave Judea? Which route did He take back to Galilee? At what city did Jesus stop? Why? What is significant about the location? Who met Jesus there? What did Jesus ask of her? How did she respond? Why do the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans? What did Jesus tell the woman in verse 10? How is this a fitting response yet today? How did the woman respond? What did Jesus tell her? What is the living water which Jesus offered (cf. Isaiah 12; John 7:37-39)? How does Jesus offer and give this water even yet today? Did the woman understand Jesus? What did she say? What did Jesus tell her to do? What did He say to her when she said she had no husband? Is there anything about us He does not know? Read Psalm 90:8. What did the woman then say of Jesus? What question did she ask Him? What is the significance of her question? How did Jesus answer? What does Jesus answer mean? How does that apply to our worship yet today? What did the woman say the Messiah would do when He came? Why? Cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Who did Jesus claim to be?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Readings are Psalm 99; Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-6; and Luke 9:28-36. Please take the time to read them and their context in preparation for Sunday. The sermon text will be the Gospel Lesson. Who did Jesus take with Him on the mountain? Why? What did they see there? Who spoke with Jesus? Why is this significant? About what did they speak? What was the response of Jesus’ disciples? Who spoke from the cloud? What did He say? What does this mean for us yet today?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom, but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Sarah Hardigan who is having trouble in the early stages of pregnancy, for Ron Wellander who underwent surgery and is recovering, and for Bonnie Hawes who underwent tests – for those who have been absent from us, for our students who are away at school, for our extended families and friends, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Haiti, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship begins Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. Worship will be at 7 p.m. A Soup and Sandwich Supper will precede the service at 6:20 p.m.

The Church Council will hold its February meeting following the Feb. 17 Lenten service.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”

Numbers 6:22-27

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

“And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” John 4:27-42

One of the greatest proofs of the truthfulness of the Bible is how accurately it describes you and me and the lost and sinful world in which we live. The Bible says of me, and of you as well: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5); “The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21); “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9); “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20); “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19).

Listen to the description in Romans 3:9-20: “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

We may not like this description of ourselves and might like to paint a more favorable portrait. But, if we are honest about it, we must admit that the description of the Bible is accurate and true. Every one of us is, by nature, selfish and inclined to evil. Not one of us is righteous. The sins we haven’t committed in deed we probably have committed in our thoughts and desires.

Even though we may not like the Bible’s revelation of our utter sinfulness, it proves the Bible true. What other book or religious writing so accurately describes the human heart or the results of sin in the world? Other religious writings would make us look at least a little bit good. They would direct us to reform and change as if we were capable of such reform and change. They would make it look as through we can make things right in this world. Only the Bible reveals our utter depravity and sinfulness. And the Bible reveals the coming fiery judgment of God upon this world so that He can create – or recreate – a new heavens and a new earth unravaged by sin and evil and death.

At the well in Samaria, Jesus revealed to a woman there her utter sinfulness. She didn’t have to tell him she had had five husbands and was now living together with a man who was not her husband; Jesus told her. As a result, she realized that Jesus was more than just a man.

When Jesus told her He was the promised Messiah – the Christ – she went and told the men of her city: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” And they came to see Jesus. Note that this woman did not present an elaborate theological argument to convince her town’s people that Jesus was the promised Messiah. All she had to do was say, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”

When Jesus’ disciples came and urged Him to eat some of the food they had bought, Jesus said to them, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of … My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

The fields were indeed ripe for harvest. The people of the city came to see Jesus because of the witness of the woman at the well. Jesus stayed there at Sychar and taught the people for two days before resuming His journey.

And the Word of God tells us that “many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

Through the witness of this sinful woman to her Messiah and Savior, the people came to see and hear Jesus. Through her testimony and the Word of the Lord Jesus, many of them also came to trust in Jesus as their Messiah and Savior from sin and death. And the same is true today. We may not have knowledge of every theological argument for Jesus being the Messiah and Savior of the world. But we can say: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” And if people will but come and listen to Jesus – if they will hear His Word – many will, by the gracious working of God’s Spirit, come to believe in Christ Jesus as their Savior.

Why? Jesus does not mince words about sin. He tells it like it is and reveals our utter sinfulness. But He also went to the cross and suffered and died for our sins – for the sins of the whole world – and rose again. In Jesus there is forgiveness and life eternal, and He reaches out to lost sinners everywhere with His word of pardon and forgiveness. He offers and gives life everlasting in His heavenly kingdom.

Again, the Bible tells us that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures … He was buried … He rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).

Yes, we “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” but we are “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23,24). “In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

And if we but direct people to Jesus and His revelation of Himself in the Holy Scriptures, many will come to know and trust in Him. By the gracious working of God’s Spirit through the Word, they will come to faith in their Messiah and Savior.

Then, we too may hear people say what the Samaritans said to this woman who directed them to Jesus: “Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

God grant that we hear the Word of God and so know and trust in Jesus as the Messiah and our Savior from sin, and that we would also direct others to Jesus that they might hear Him, know Him and trust in Him for eternal salvation. Amen.

[Scripture Quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible]