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]

“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 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.]

“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]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE MUSTARD SEED

Read Mark 4:30-32

“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.”

When one compares a grain of mustard seed to other garden seeds, it is the smallest of all seeds. But this small seed produces a large tree or bush-like plant in which the birds of the air can find shelter. So also is the kingdom of God. It had very small beginnings in the Babe of Bethlehem and in the preaching and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified and buried. It had small beginnings in the little band of disciples who were first entrusted with the task of taking the Gospel of the kingdom to the ends of the earth.

But look at the results! By His sufferings and death upon the cross, Jesus Christ paid the full punishment for the sins of the whole world and redeemed all people. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God the Father. The saving Word of the Lord Jesus was carried to the ends of the earth by His disciples and is still heard and proclaimed today. Through that Word, people from all over the world have been brought to trust in Christ Jesus as their Savior and thus have become a part of God’s gracious and eternal kingdom. And through the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word, His kingdom continues to grow to this day.

When we view the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our task of spreading that message as insignificant or unimportant, let us remember the power of the Gospel to save (Romans 1:16-17) and look at what this seemingly small seed and humble task have produced.

Spread, oh, spread, thou mighty Word, spread the kingdom of the Lord, where-so-e’er His breath hath giv’n life to beings meant for heav’n.

Lord of Harvest, let there be joy and strength to work for Thee till the nations far and near see Thy light and learn Thy fear. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #507, Verses 1, 6)

God’s View of Alternative Lifestyles

In these times of change from traditional values to a free and open practice of “alternative lifestyles,” it is important for us to know that God’s views of homosexuality, sexual immorality, adultery and other deviances from His design in creation have not changed.

Many try to change God’s view, or soften it a little, by retranslating or reinterpreting the Bible to fit their modernistic views; but God’s Word has not changed one bit, even though many refuse to hear it in their homes or churches anymore! God’s Word still condemns as sin homosexuality and all sexual relations outside of a marriage between a man and a woman, and it says that those who practice such things are under His wrath.

Read Romans 1:18-32. When people refuse to acknowledge God their Creator and live within His design (cf. Genesis 1 & 2), they are given over to degrade themselves, even to the point of homosexuality. The Bible says: “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet” (Romans 1:26,27).

Read Leviticus 18, where homosexuality, adultery, incest, bestiality and other sexual sins are forbidden and called an “abomination” unto the LORD and the reason for God’s judgment upon the nations who were destroyed and displaced by the Israelites. Consider God’s judgment upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. If God accepts such “alternative lifestyles,” would He call them an abomination and send down fire and brimstone to destroy those who practiced such evil?

God’s Word remains clear. Even if our society and government choose to accept and endorse such “alternative lifestyles” as legitimate, those who practice such things are under the wrath and condemnation of God their Maker! And, whether people believe it or not, God’s judgment will come. Now those who practice and promote lifestyles which God condemns may join together in marches and make speeches to support their sins, but on the Day of Judgment, they will be speechless!

And lest anyone be quick to condemn or even act in hate toward those who practice such alternative lifestyles, read all of Romans 1 through 3 carefully! None of us are free of sin, and none of us can stand by our own merit in God’s Judgment. Whether guilty of homosexuality, sexual immorality, maliciousness, pride, disobedience to parents, envy, gossip or the like, we are still guilty before God and deserving of His eternal wrath and punishment. God’s unchanging Word still calls upon all of us to repent of our evil ways and trust in the LORD God to show us mercy and graciously forgive our sins for the sake of Jesus Christ’s innocent sufferings and death in our stead!

And God’s unchanging Word still offers and promises us divine help – the same divine power which raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:15-21) – to amend our sinful ways and live for Him in accord with His holy will! The Bible tells us: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

God’s Word calls out to us: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). The Bible tells us of God: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5). And, the Apostle Paul reminds us of God’s power at work in those who turn to Him when he says: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). So, whatever your lifestyle has been, turn to Jesus for forgiveness, help and eternal salvation!

Pastor Randy Moll

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about Marriage and the Bearing of Children? Please consider the statement below and look up the Bible passages.

MARRIAGE AND BEARING CHILDREN

We believe that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman, that marriage was instituted by God and is entered by mutual consent and promise (Matthew 19:3-6; Genesis 2:18-24; Romans 7:1-3; Luke 20:27-38; Matthew 1:18-25; Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Therefore, we teach that it is sin to violate the marriage union “by unfaithfulness or desertion” (Matthew 19:3-9; 5:31-32; Mark 10:6-12; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16; Hebrews 13:4; Exodus 20:14; Malachi 2:14-16). With Scripture, we also condemn as sin: fornication (sexual relationships outside the bonds of marriage), sodomy, homosexuality and bestiality (Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

We believe that children are a blessing of the LORD, and that the conception and formation of a child in the womb is the result of God’s creative working (Genesis 1:27-28; 25:21; 29:31; 30:22-23; Ruth 4:13; 1 Samuel 1:5,10-11,19-20; 2:21; Psalm 127:3-5; 128:1-6; 139:13-16; Ecclesiastes 11:5); and that it is God’s will and command that a husband and wife seek and desire to have children (Genesis 1:28; 9:1,7; 1 Timothy 2:15; 5:14). We also believe that human life begins at conception, and that it is murder to kill or destroy the life of an unborn child (Psalm 139:13-16; Ecclesiastes 11:5; Genesis 25:21-23; Genesis 9:5-6; Exodus 20:13). Therefore, we condemn as sin abortion – in all its forms – and reject as contrary to God’s will views and practices which would seek to limit and prevent the conception and the bearing of children.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 3:30-36; 4:1-26. What does John say of Jesus in verse 30? How should this also be true of us and our church? To what did Jesus testify? Did people receive Jesus’ testimony? Do they today? When people receive Jesus’ testimony, what do they come to know about God? Whose words did Jesus speak? Why did John say this was so? Was the Holy Spirit restricted or limited in the life and ministry of Jesus? What does John say of the Son? What does verse 36 mean? How does this apply to us and all people yet today? 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? How is this true for people yet today?

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 138; Isaiah 6:1-13; 1 Corinthians 13; and Luke 5:1-11. Please take the time to read them and their context in preparation for Sunday. Marty Jackson will be preaching on 1 Corinthians 13:13 this Sunday.

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 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.

Monthly Wednesday night Bible studies will continue on the second Wednesday of February and be held at the church at 7 p.m. Next month’s study will continue to look at what the Bible says of the Scriptures. We will also look at the formation of the canon – the 66 books of the Bible.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship begins on 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.

“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]

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:1-5:

Message for the day -

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Dear fellow-redeemed sinners, ransomed by the shed blood of Christ Jesus, God’s Son and our Savior.

Who is this Jesus of Nazareth, that Babe born in Bethlehem but raised in Nazareth? We look to the Word of God, to the inspired testimony of the apostles who suffered all to faithfully follow Christ Jesus.

Today, we begin with the inspired testimony of the Apostle John, in his Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

The Word, spoken of here in the inspired Scriptures is Jesus, for John later writes, in verse 14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

In his first epistle, John writes (1 John 5:7): “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

This already tells us that Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God come into this world as a true man, that He had divine glory, and that He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit (a Person of the Triune God).

The opening verses of John’s Gospel tell us that “in the beginning” – the same “in the beginning” when “God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) – the pre-incarnate Jesus, the Son of God, already was. He was with God and He, in fact, was and is God.

While some cult religions of our day (such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons) would try to reduce Jesus to being only “a son of God,” the Greek text leaves no doubt: “The Word was with the God, and God was the Word” (the Greek definite article and the placement of God at the beginning of the second part of the sentence emphasizing that Jesus, the Word, was not only with God; He is God Himself – a Person in the Triune Godhead).

Some so-called “Christian churches” would make Jesus, the Son of God, less than and inferior to God the Father. This too is a rejection of the truth God has revealed to us in His inspired Word.

Not only was the pre-incarnate Christ there with God in the beginning before anything was created or made, He is the Creator God who made all things and gave all living things life and breath.

This is why the Christian Church has, for centuries confessed to believe “in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by Whom all things were made….” (Nicene Creed)

God tells us: “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

Can it get any clearer than that? Jesus, before He took on human flesh and blood and became true man and was born of the virgin Mary, created all things. Nothing made or created was made or created without Him.

Read Genesis one in that light. Creation was not just the work of God the Father; all was created by God the Son and nothing was made without Him (cf. Colossians 1:15ff.; Hebrews 1:1-3). The Holy Spirit was also actively engaged in this divine work, for the Scriptures tell us that “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be….” (Genesis 1:2ff.).

In Jesus was life. When “the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7), it was Jesus, the eternal Word, who gave him life and made him a “living soul.”

And, lest we forget that life was more than physical life but included spiritual life and the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), Jesus is the One who gave to Adam and Eve a knowledge of God and a life in harmony and fellowship with their Maker. This life which Jesus gave was “the light of men.” They were spiritually alive, they knew God and His holy will, and they loved and honored Him and trusted in Him.

This was the life which mankind lost in the fall of Genesis three. Instead of loving God, trusting Him and seeking His honor, Adam and Eve rebelled against His commandment and then hid from His presence. And, even yet today, when this light shines into the darkness, the darkness does not comprehend it – it does not understand it or receive it.

People today – all of us as we are by nature – walk in darkness. We do not wish to accept the truth that Jesus is God the Son in human flesh, our Maker and our final Judge. Though the evidence is all around us, we do not wish to face up to the truth that we are sinners and guilty before God. We do not wish to hear of our sins and shortcoming and of the hell fires we so deserve. We would rather continue on in darkness, thinking that we are basically good and that God will not condemn us if only we do our best to be loving and caring people.

The light shines in the darkness, and we would continue on in darkness! We don’t want to give up our own selfish and sinful ways. We don’t want to return to fellowship with God because that would cramp our lifestyle! Instead, we would attempt to change God into a god who smiles at sin and disobedience and would punish no one. Of course, to form our own opinions of God instead of accepting what God tells us of Himself in the Bible is no different than making a graven image and inventing our own ways to serve it. It is idolatry!

What does God say? “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 1:5-2:2

In God – in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word – is light and life! If we claim to have fellowship with God but continue to hide and cover up our sins, pretending that all is well, we are lying and deceiving ourselves. God’s truth tells us that we are sinners, that we have failed to love God with all our heart, soul and strength or love our neighbor as God requires. God’s light reveals His holy will but also our failures to live in accord with His holy commandments.

But God’s light also reveals the way of salvation He has provided for lost mankind: “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Jesus, God the Son in human flesh, lived a righteous and holy life in our stead and He suffered and died for our sins and rose again. He satisfied God’s wrath against our sins and the sins of the whole world. That is why: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Jesus is still the life and light of men. He redeemed sinful mankind by His innocent sufferings and death in our stead. He offers to all people forgiveness of sins and life eternal in fellowship with Him. His light shines into this dark and sinful world, revealing God’s holy will and man’s sinfulness but also offering forgiveness and life with Him in His eternal kingdom. When He, by the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit through His Word, convinces us of sin and assures us of forgiveness – when He breathes into our nostrils the breath of life – we become living souls!

God graciously grant to each of you light and life in Christ Jesus, the eternal Word! Amen.

Psalm and Confession of Sins -

Psalm 32: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (A Psalm of David, Maschil.)

O Thou crucified Lord Jesus Christ, who, as the truly patient Lamb of God, didst suffer for me the most shameful death on the cross and with Thy precious blood didst redeem me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, I pray Thee, give me the assurance of this redemption through Thy Word, govern my heart with Thy Holy Spirit, preserve me with Thy divine love, and hide me this day, both soul and body, in Thy holy wounds. Wash me clean from all my sins, teach me to live a life of good works, and finally lead me from this world of sorrows to Thine eternal joy and glory, Thou most faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, mine only Comfort, Hope, and Life. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, page 118)

The Apostles Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into Hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers: O Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, the everlasting Son of God, shine upon my heart the light of Your truth, reveal my sinfulness and disobedience to Your holy will, but also comfort me with the knowledge of Your holy life and innocent sufferings and death for my sins that I may take courage, rejoice in Your forgiveness, and walk in the light of Your truth until You come again and take me to live with You forever in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Blessing: “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.” Amen. (Numbers 6:24-27)

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

“The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” John 4:25-26

Who is Jesus? Is He just a great teacher and prophet, as many today would say? Who did Jesus claim to be?

When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well in Samaria and answered her question regarding true worship of God, she said, “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.”

Jesus’ answer was straight to the point: “I that speak unto thee am he.”

Jesus Himself claimed to be the promised Messiah, the Anointed One – Christ in the Greek – together with all that the Scriptures taught concerning the Christ. He claimed to be the LORD’s anointed of Psalm 2 – the only-begotten Son of God who would judge and rule the world. He was and is the promised prophet of Deuteronomy 18, the perpetual priest after the order of Melchizedek of Psalm 110, and the eternal king of Jeremiah 23; Micah 5; and 2 Samuel 7. Jesus’ knowledge of this woman’s life – past and present – was proof of the truthfulness of His claim.

Elsewhere, too, Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. To Nicodemus, He said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:14-16). To the Jews He said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), claiming to be the great “I Am,” Jehovah God Himself in human flesh.

Why did Jesus reveal to this woman His true identity? At the very beginning of His conversation with the woman at the well, Jesus had told her, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water” (v. 10). Jesus desired that this woman look to Him for forgiveness and life everlasting. He had compassion on her, a love for her soul and desired her to receive from Him life-giving water – the Holy Spirit, faith and eternal salvation.

Who speaks to us through the pages of Scriptures? Who confronts us with our sinfulness and also offers us forgiveness and life in His name? Is it just a man? A great teacher? A prophet sent from God? No, it is the promised Christ, the Messiah, God the Son in human flesh and the Savior of the world.

Why does Jesus reveal Himself to us? Why does He open our eyes and let us see and learn from the Scriptures that He is indeed “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16; cf. v. 17)? It is because He desires our salvation. He desires to give us to drink of His Spirit and have faith in His innocent sufferings and death in our stead that the thirst of our souls would be satisfied and we would find in Him forgiveness for all our sins and everlasting life! He does not want us to be lost and forever condemned but desires us to know Him, trust in Him and reign with Him in His everlasting kingdom.

God grant to you and to me the blessing of knowing Jesus for who He truly is, and the blessing of faith in His name that our thirsting souls might be satisfied and we might live forever with Christ Jesus.

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing to us in Your Word that You are indeed the long-promised Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world, that we might place our hope and confidence in You and not be condemned along with this world but have everlasting life with You in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

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

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE SEED AND ITS GROWTH

Read Mark 4:26-29

“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”

This parable of Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a man who sows his seed and waits until the seed of itself springs up and grows, maturing until the harvest. Then the farmer puts in the sickle for the harvest. The farmer can only sow good seed, cultivate the crops and wait for the fruit to mature. He himself cannot make the seed grow and produce fruit.

The kingdom of God is like this in that all we as Christians can do is sow the pure Word of God. We cannot make it grow or produce fruit. The power to create spiritual life and produce fruit lies in God’s Word and not in us as the sowers. It is our task to sow the Word of God; but the results must be left up to the Holy Ghost, who works through the Word to bring people to saving faith in Jesus Christ, build them up and preserve them in the faith.

We cannot see how faith is created in the heart, nor should we expect to harvest immediately after the seed is sown. Our Lord Jesus has given us the simple task of sowing the good seed of God’s Word. The rest is up to Him!

Let us then diligently sow the Word! By means of God’s Law, the Holy Ghost will convict men of their sins and show them their guilt before the Almighty God. By means of the Gospel, He will comfort them with the assurance that their sins are forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ’s holy life and innocent sufferings and death in their stead. If we only sow the Word, we need not worry about the results. They remain in God’s hands, and He has promised that His Word will not return unto Him void.

It is as the Scripture says in Isaiah 55:10-11: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Let us then sow the pure Word and await the harvest!

On what has now been sown Thy blessing, Lord, bestow; the pow’r is Thine alone to make it spring and grow. Do Thou in grace the harvest raise, and Thou alone shalt have the praise. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn 46, Verse 1)

Pastor Randy Moll

What Kind of Heart Do You Have?

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

About whose heart is Jeremiah the prophet speaking in this passage? It must describe the murderer, the thief, the adulterer. It even sounds like the heart of some people I know. It could be that fellow employee, my ex-spouse, the neighbor that is always complaining and causing me trouble. But whose heart is Jeremiah describing? The truth is he is describing your heart and mine.

Our hearts deceive us into thinking that we are pretty good; and, when we sin, our heart comes up with a thousand excuses to justify what we have done. If you don’t think your heart is deceitful and wicked, just think back over the thoughts that have gone through your mind, the things you have desired, the words and actions which almost spilled out. I’m afraid that the thoughts and desires of my heart would shock the people I know. In fact, I am often appalled at what goes on in my heart and what sometimes comes out of it in the form of words and actions!

Jesus says the same thing of our hearts in Matthew 15:19: “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” And how could Jesus know what’s in our hearts? Jeremiah writes further: “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:10).

Our hearts – yours and mine – are “desperately wicked,” and they deceive us into thinking that we’re not all that bad. Yet the imagination of our hearts is evil from our youth (cf. Genesis 8:21). That is why we need a Savior! That is why God Himself took on human flesh and kept the holy law of God for us and then suffered and died upon the cross to bear the full punishment for our sins! That is why the risen Christ poured out His Holy Spirit upon us and regenerated us, giving us faith in Him as our Savior and a new heart which loves the LORD God and desires to please Him!

This is why David, in the Old Testament, prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin … Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:1-2, 10).

Yes, our hearts are wicked, and they would deceive us into thinking they are good. God’s Word describes our hearts as they really are. But God, in His Word, also tells us of His mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus and of His gracious working to recreate our hearts in His image.

“Create in me a new heart, Lord, that gladly I obey Thy Word and naught but what Thou wilt, desire; with such new life my soul inspire” (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn 398, v. 3).

Pastor Randy Moll

“Be not afraid,only believe.”

Mark 5:36 (Read Mark 5:21-43)

Sometimes things seem hopeless. People say such things as: “My sins are too great,” “My disease has no cure,” “Time has run out,” or “There’s nothing anyone can do.”

Jairus, no doubt, was desperate for help when he came to Jesus and begged Him to come and heal his sick and dying daughter. Jairus still had hope. If only Jesus could get there in time, He could lay his hands on her and she would live; but Jesus was delayed.

While on His way to the home of Jairus, with crowds pressing around Him, another sought the healing touch of Jesus, a woman with an issue of blood for 12 years. Physicians couldn’t help her, and it was only getting worse.

“If I can just touch His clothes,” she thought. “I’ll be made well.”

She, unknown to the crowds, reached out and touched but the garment of Jesus and was healed; but Jesus knew and turned to ask who had touched Him. The question seemed foolish to His disciples because of the crowds pressing in on Jesus from every side, but Jesus knew what had happened and took the time to speak words of assurance to the woman.

But then the bad news came. It was too late. The young daughter of Jairus had died.

Just imagine the hopeless pain that must have come over Jairus when he heard the words: “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Master any further?”

It was just then, when all hope was gone for Jairus, that Jesus spoke the words: “Be not afraid, only believe.”

Humanly speaking, there was no hope. It was too late. His daughter had died while Jesus delayed to minister to another. But Jesus spoke words of hope to Jairus – it wasn’t too late, Jesus could and would still help.

Of course, we know what happened. Jesus went, put out the mourners, and spoke the words: “Talitha cumi.” These words, translated, mean, “Damsel, I say to you arise.” And what happened? Against all doubts and fears, Jairus’ daughter rose from the dead and got up from her bed.

How often our sinful hearts tell us there is no hope. But Jesus tells us, “Be not afraid, only believe.”

Our hearts tell us our sins are too great – God will never forgive us or accept us into His eternal kingdom. What does Jesus say? “Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2).

We worry about having enough food to eat, clothes to wear and money to pay the bills. All seems hopeless to us. What does Jesus say? “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

We face sickness and finally the hour of our death, all looks hopeless. But again, what does Jesus say? “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. 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 14:1-3). Jesus says, as He said to the dying thief on the cross who had no reason for hope, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise” (Luke 22:43).

When our faith grows weak and all appears hopeless, Jesus speaks words of hope to comfort us, assure us and build up our faith in Him. And since He has suffered and died for our sins and is risen again and ascended to the right hand of God the Father, we have every reason to hope and take comfort in Him!

Pastor Randy Moll

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about the Sabbath Day? Please consider the statement below and look up the Bible passages.

SABBATH DAY

We believe that the Old Testament observance of the Sabbath and other holy days has been abrogated by God and is not required of the Church under the New Testament (Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 14:5-6; cf. Acts 15:). The Commandment regarding the Sabbath Day does still require us to regularly take time to hear and learn God’s Word and to worship Him (Exodus 20:8; Isaiah 58:13-14; Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:15-16; 26:8; 111:1; 95:1-6; 96:1-2). For this reason, we have set aside Sundays and other feast days for the hearing of God’s Word and for our gathering together to worship the LORD our God (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42). However, the observance of these certain days is a church ordinance made in Christian liberty rather than a divine command binding upon the conscience (Romans 14:5-6).

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 3:30-36; 4:1-26. What does John say of Jesus in verse 30? How should this also be true of us and our church? To what did Jesus testify? Did people receive Jesus’ testimony? Do they today? When people receive Jesus’ testimony, what do they come to know about God? Whose words did Jesus speak? Why did John say this was so? Was the Holy Spirit restricted or limited in the life and ministry of Jesus? What does John say of the Son? What does verse 36 mean? How does this apply to us and all people yet today? 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? How is this true for people yet today?

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 71:1-6; Jeremiah 1:4-10; 1 Corinthians 13; and Luke 4:33-44. Please take the time to read them and their context in preparation for Sunday. Marty Jackson will be preaching on Sunday.

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 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.

Monthly Wednesday night Bible studies will continue on the second Wednesday of February and be held at the church at 7 p.m. Next month’s study will continue to look at what the Bible says of the Scriptures. We will also look at the formation of the canon – the 66 books of the Bible.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship begins on 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.

“My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”

Proverbs 3:21-26

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

“The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:19-24

After Jesus revealed His knowledge of this woman’s life – having had five husbands and now living together with one who was not her husband – she perceived that He was a prophet and changed the subject away from herself and her own sin and need of a Savior to a more generic question which had been disputed between the Samaritans and the Jews for several centuries: Where should men worship?

As she said, the Samaritans said Mt. Gerizim in Samaria was the place to worship, even altering the portion of the Old Testament Scriptures which they accepted to reflect their beliefs. The Jews, on the other hand, said, as did the Old Testament Scriptures, that people should worship at the temple in Jerusalem.

Jesus’ answer is rather astonishing to Jew, Samaritan, and to us today: “Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Though where one worshipped was an issue under the Old Covenant (cf. 1 Kings 12), the real issue under the New Covenant would not be the place of worship but the heart of the worshiper. Simply observing the feasts and festivals in accord with God’s commands is not what God seeks. He desires worship to be genuine and sincere worship which is motivated by God’s Spirit and the knowledge and belief of the truth. The Jews had that truth and testimony in the Scriptures. The Samaritans had altered and rejected it.

But true worship would no longer be connected to the temple at Jerusalem, which served to point to Christ and His perfect sacrifice for sin. Nor is true worship today dependent upon following certain forms or traditions. True worship is dependent upon knowing and trusting in the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God made man and the Savior of the world.

The truth is that only those who know and trust in Christ Jesus can worship the Father. As Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6; cf. 1 John 2:23).

Apart from Jesus, we cannot know or worship the Father (cf. John 15:5). Thus, true worshipers gain access to the Father, not by going to a certain place like Mt. Gerizim or Jerusalem, not by following certain forms or saying certain words, but through faith in Christ Jesus (cf. Hebrews 9:11-28; 10:19-22; Ephesians 1:6-7).

Jesus, God’s own dear Son in the flesh, shed His blood upon the cross and paid in full for our sins to make us acceptable in God’s eyes. Through Him, we gain access to the Father, and for His sake our worship is acceptable to God. And, it is because of what He has done for us that we are moved to sincerely and truly worship and glorify the Father for His grace and mercy toward us in Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord Jesus, our Messiah and Savior, grant us Your Holy Spirit and faith in You and Your shed blood that we might partake of Your salvation, be assured of forgiveness for all our sins and walk in fellowship with You and the Father. Let our worship and praise of the Father be acceptable for the sake of Your innocent sufferings and death in our stead. Amen.

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