Freedom Festival
June 25, 2009
This weekend at Immanuel we celebrate Freedom. The fourth of July is one of my most favorite days of the year as we see an entire country stop and celebrate the great freedoms that we have in this country. We as a country also stop and remember that freedom is not free, it came with a cost. The cost of lives who fought and continue to fight to ensure that we can vote in fair elections, that we can worship the one true God, that we can gather and assemble, and many other freedoms that sometimes (too often) are taken for granted.
As Christians, we remember that we are always free no matter which government we live in. We know that with Christ, our freedom truly reigns and rings (John 8:31). It came at a cost too, the cost is the death of God, Jesus died and rose again, to ensure our freedom. It cannot be taken away, it cannot be lost, but it can be given away and rejected. Too often many exchange the freedom that is won in Christ, for a lie, that holds us captive.
Our prayer this weekend and everyday is for those who are held captive, that they would come to know freedom in Christ, freedom over sin, death and the devil. Our prayer is that their chains would be broken, and their hearts and minds set free, to focus on the work and price paid by Christ.
Happy Independence day to us all, as we are free in this country, but also free for eternity!
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Greg
A Passive Approach
June 9, 2009
It sometimes is so easy to look in the mirror and see our own accomplishments. As a pastor it can be tempting to look at the ministry and have our chest get puffed up! As a father, I can sometimes look at my child and think, wow I am doing a great job! As a husband, sometimes I can look at my marriage and see what a great job I am doing. As an individual, sometimes I can even look at myself and say wow I am doing a great job in my daily living, exercising, eating well, and staying focused on all things. It can be so simple to focus on ourselves (sometimes called naval gazing)!
The reality is to remember it is not about you or me. It is about Christ, always and in all things. The ministry around me is growing in spite of me! People who are in our church because of me are missing the real joy of God’s kingdom! For, it is always about Him! As a father, my child is wonderful because she is a child of God and that is what makes her great! God is working magnificiently in her life! My marriage is kept together as we are focused on Christ (Ephesians 5:21-31). My life is lived well, because I am focused on Christ who lives in me, and gives me motivation to live for His passions and purposes (Galatians 2:20).
When I get out of the way and watch Christ lead the way, wow, then I am in awe! Today, I encourage each of us to take a passive approach! Don’t see yourself as a leader, rather let others see you as a follower of Christ, and what Him use you to lead others to His kingdom! When He leads and we follow, His Work is truly awesome!
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Greg
Nic at Night
June 1, 2009
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Did you notice that Nicodemus comes to Jesus in the night time. Nicodemus comes at night because he doesn’t want others to know that he is speaking with Jesus. Nicodemus is a well respected teacher within the community, and he comes becasue he realizes that Jesus is possibly who He said He is. Nicodemus comes in secret, but reading the rest of John he later ventures out into public with his faith in Jesus.
Where is your faith life with Jesus, is it still private, or have you ventured out into the public! What do you do publicly to show and share your life with Jesus. If your faith is still private with Jesus that is okay, but be prepared for Him to move you publicly!
Enjoy today tomorrow and forever in faith with Jesus!
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Greg
Are you love?
May 21, 2009
Love, we all love don’t we…yet, we are reminded in 1 John 4 that we are to love because God first loved us. And you and I remain and abide in His love. We know love because of God’s love, but the last verse in 1 John 4:21 says that we are to love.
This means that if we really understand God’s love for us, we will love others. We will be people whose hands and feet are exhibits and illustrations of God’s love. If we don’t love other people, then we have to really evaluate if we understand God’s love for us.
To love others is what God expects of us…to love His creation is our ways because as His new creation our ways are products of His ways. To view others we now see them as God sees them, children, special, important. This is all people! The homeless person is special and important! The annoying person is special and important. The person who is utterly mean and dispicable to us is special and important. The person who is our enemy is special and important. Love! It is what God is all about, it is who we are to be.
We love not perfectly (for we still are sinners), but genuinely!
Today, tomorrow and each day, may you see everyperson in your view (eyes, ears, heart and mind) as one who needs love! May your hands be the illustration that is given. Love, for you are loved!
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Greg
Tuesday’s Truth
May 17, 2009
On Tuesday, June 9th, we are launching a Summer Study entitled Tuesday’s truth. This will change the way you look at the world around you. It is an inspirational, and insightful video that will move you to reconsider the world with a ‘biblical worldview’. Join us at 7pm each week (12 weeks) in the Immanuel Fellowship Hall (room 106). Come with a friend, come with questions and be prepared to rediscover what truly is true and what you and I really believe.
A Minor Prophet with a Major Message
May 10, 2009
Micah 4:10-11 reminds us that we may not always see God at work in our world, in our lives, or in our days. But just like Micah’s reminder to the remnant who were about to lose everything, be carted off to Babylon and go into exile, they were reminded that God has a plan and will restore them to everything they had. They needed to remain faithful and patient during the time of trial.
The same is true for us, whether it is the economy, or our personal lives, turmoil in death, or disease, remain patient and see God at work. He has a plan. It is not always clear, it is not always known, and sometimes we wait in frustrations, but we wait faithfully knowing that our God is great.
Be reminded that He is the same God who took the horror of the cross and made it the greatest event for humanity through the resurrection. Wait on the Lord and see His plan fulfilled always for your good and His glory.
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Greg
Remaining faithful in a different world.
April 28, 2009
The World is coming closer and closer to a dialogue that will bring about unity. The people of our world continually search out to find things that unite us together. We seek for worldly unification in the economy, in batteling injustices, in batteling disease and pestilence, in finding common ground to have peace and prosperity. We look to find unity in all things except faith. In faith, we all seem to agree to disagree. Does that seem right.
God would tell us that we have it backward. First find unity in faith. Believe in one God, know one truth, trust in one Savior. Then the rest of unity will come. None of the things that we as the world look to unite ourselves with matter without a unification with God. It is in knowing God that we will know true unity, it is in knowing God that we will understand true economy and the value of money. It is in knowing God that we will understand the fact of sickness and death, and that Christ over came it. It is in knowing God that we will see life for its fullest and the life of others as truly valuable. It is in knowing God that we will forgive and understand forgiveness as we are forgiven and loved by God.
In Micah chapter 3, we see the world embraces non-godly designes and priorities, it is in us remaining faithful that we see and embrace Godly designs and priorities Micah 3:1-2,8 ESV. May you and I always remain faithful. May we continually press on toward the goals of God, and may we love the world out of response as He has loved us 1 John 4:7 ESV.
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Greg
A Minor Prophet with a Major Message: God will restore
April 21, 2009
Things keep getting worse, and right when the start to look up, doesn’t it seem that the news continues to get dreary. How Long O Lord has been the cry of many faithful people within the economy of our day and time. Everytime I personally see the market have a small rebound, we then see it fall. It seems to me we may be in a time where we will remain stagnant. Not going much lower, not going much higher. When will God restore us and the fortune that we had. Well, being a congregation that does not affirm prosperity theology we may never see the fortunes of this world return, but we certainly do see the effects of sin, greed and human pride in our lives. Micah 2:1-2 There are people out in the world who are intentionally looking to do harm to sin, and sometimes we can even get wrapped up into thinking that they (those who intentionally look to harm, and the sinful world) will prevail. We are reminded though that this is God’s World, and we are His people, which means that He is for us, and also means that He will reward us. He is faithful to the remnant, you and I: Micah 1:12 God will gather us, enfold us, protect us and guard us. We will suffer in this life, but we have the easter joy and reality of His conquering of death and sin! Praise be to God! Serving Christ Together, Pastor Greg
You Live
April 11, 2009
It is finished and done. Now we live…because of the great sacrfice that Christ made, we have hope. Christ completed the mission and He came into the world to save the World. John 3:16-17 reminds us that He loves us that much. The Father sent His Son, He came, He Lived, He died, and He was raised…We believe and We live, because of Him and His work.
Have a blessed Easter, the bridge from Hell to Heaven is complete and now as Max Lucado says: This life is the closest we will ever get to Hell! Praise God.
Serving Christ Together.
Are we ignoring Jesus?
April 8, 2009
This week the Christian church celebrates Maundy Thursday, which we will have communion and then forget about the foot washing. How come we ignore foot washing when it was commanded by Lord, and yet we celebrate communion (often in the LCMS churches) because the Lord commanded it.
I believe we have to look at a couple of things before we can say whether or not we really are ignoring a command of Jesus. First we have to look at the history and culture of the times. The concept of washing feet was done because feet were dirty, they traveled on the roads and the dirt and then when they ate, they reclined and feet were present and certainly accounted for in all their splendor or lack there of.
Second, we have to look at the actual meaning and what Jesus was doing when He washed the feet of His disciples and commanded them to do the same to each other.
Third, mainly because I brought it up, we must address why we ignore foot washing and celebrate communion.
First, historically the culture did foot washing because it was necessary, in our culture and world today we don’t wash our feet at dinner tables or before we come into a home, now, we do take our shoes off, and we could remove the shoes of our guests, but more than likely, they would end up feeling more uncomfortable rather than honored. Also, foot washing was not something that was commanded by YHWH or was part of the religious life of the Israelites. Whereas, communion is connected with Passover and was given by YHWH through His love and salvation of the Israelites from the Egyptians.
Second, what is Jesus doing? He is serving, He is humbling Himself and He is showing honor and respect to His disciples. He is doing what a servant would do. He is loving His disciples in wonderful and unique ways.
Third, why do we keep communion and not footwashing? Well, simply put Communion and its connection to the Passover reminds us that it is a command of the very body and blood of Christ, and through that we have Salvation. In footwashing, we do not see a promise of Grace, nor do we see forgiveness of sins, nor do we see an action of God.
So, what should we do with footwashing? Well, we should remember that Christ did command it, but I don’t think we could necessarily say that He commanded footwashing, as much as humbling ourselves and loving our fellow brothers and sisters. We need to continue the command of the act of footwashing, which is making sure that our neighbors, His creation is prepared and ready for His company. To love, to serve, and to care for. This is unlike communion which Christ says the words: This IS MY body and This IS MY blood, for the forgiveness of sins!
This Maundy Thursday, remember Christ’s command…to love one another, as He loves us.
Serving Christ Together,
Pastor Greg
