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Citizens by Birth—and Rebirth

DEVOTION – CHURCH AND STATE

The screaming crowd was ready to riot when the object of their fury was taken into custody by the Roman commander. The commander ordered his centurion to bind the prisoner and stretch him out for a lashing with the Roman scourge, as a quick and dirty means of interrogation. But Paul, who had been testifying of Christ to the people of Jerusalem, still had a significant card to play. He asked, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”  (Acts 22:25)

The officer was skeptical at first, saying “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” Paul, who came from the Roman colony of Tarsus, answered him by saying “But I was born a citizen.”  At this revelation the Romans were alarmed and released him, for citizens of the empire had protections and privileges that others did not have, including the right to a trial before being convicted and punished.Citizens by Birth—and Rebirth

TLH Hymn 577 “God Bless Our Native Land”

A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (THIRTY-Third IN A SERIES)

History indicates that nations or governments almost never last more than five hundred years. By that measure, the United States of America today would be considered middle-aged. Although she may seem a great power that can never be toppled, so did the Roman Empire at one time. And remember the old saying, “The sun never sets on the British Empire”? Well, it does now. Therefore we would do well to keep the nation in our prayers because one of these years she could be gone—along with all our treasured security and freedoms.

Prayers for our country are always appropriate, as the Apostle Paul indicates: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV84) So one may hear national and patriotic hymns in church, especially during the first week of July. One of the most stirring of these is the prayer expressed by the poem “God Bless Our Native Land” (TLH 577).TLH Hymn 577 “God Bless Our Native Land”

“BREAD OF LIFE” READINGS June 2018

TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941; WS = Worship Supplement 2000; LSB = Lutheran Service Book, 2006

Date Verse Reading Comments

Jun 2 TLH 393 Jeremiah 51:42-50 Babylon would conquer Judah, but the victory would not last. God would rescue and restore His people.

Jun 3 TLH 396 Luke 8:40-56 Jairus and the the afflicted woman both found that those who depend on Christ are not left disappointed.

Jun 4 TLH 370 Galatians 3:1-11 We do not gain peace with God by human effort such as observing commandments, customs, or traditions, but through faith—just like Abraham.

Jun 5 TLH 42/LSB 721; Exodus 40:34-38 When the tabernacle and its furnishings were finished, the Lord made His presence known and demonstrated that He would lead His people.“BREAD OF LIFE” READINGS June 2018

Tribulations and the Trinity

COVER STORY – DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY

The life of Job is worth our consideration whenever we feel discouraged. After being substantially blessed by God, he lost his possessions, his children, and finally even his health. All of that tribulation eventually led him to this question: “Is it not destruction for the wicked, And disaster for the workers of iniquity?” (Job 31:3) Thousands of years later, many people, even Christians, continue to ask, “Why is this happening to me?”

After a rebuke of his supposed self-righteousness from Job’s friend Elihu, God answers Job with a series of His own questions in Job 38-41. He demands Job answer these questions that are unanswerable to all except God Himself. This confrontation led Job to realize that the wisdom of man is nothing compared to the wisdom of God.

The doctrine of the Trinity (that three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are together one God) is not able to be explained in a way that agrees with human logic. It has no true earthly parallel. Many of the most brilliant minds on earth would, no doubt, call it foolishness. Yet it is Biblical truth, passed down to us from the Almighty Himself. Like God’s response to Job, it is a reminder to us that there is much we will not and cannot understand on our earthly pilgrimage. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

However, the Trinity is not only a reminder of our own lack of understanding, but also divine truth. God tells us in Romans 8:28 that He works all things for our good. We realize when considering the Trinity and other mysteries of God that we cannot see the full picture. Our plans are based on our incomplete view, but God’s plans are perfect.Tribulations and the Trinity

A Positive Outlook for the Convention

CONVENTION PREVIEW

At the conclusion of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, he was in the habit of having a series of conventions of sorts. There were several positive points as to why Paul conducted himself in this manner.  Perhaps we may see the same positives in attending our own synodical gatherings.

Typically, when Paul would conclude a mission trip, he would head to a gathering of believers in Antioch, Syria. Here the faithful would be treated to reports of the Holy Spirit’s work, performing miracles and adding to the Church of Christ. Paul and his fellow workers would then usually travel down the coastline, stopping to give reports along the way, until they could meet with the church in Jerusalem.A Positive Outlook for the Convention