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The One Thing Needful

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We are all familiar with St. Luke’s account of Jesus’ visit to the home of sisters Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). We recall that while Martha used her God-given gifts in the kitchen, Mary sat next to Jesus, listening to His words. With so much to do, Martha saw this as her service to the Lord, while Mary sat on the sidelines.

Often we too find our lives very busy as we use our God-given gifts and abilities in the specific calling in which the Lord has placed us. It makes for a busy life to provide a safe and secure home—paying the bills, putting food on the table, supporting children in their studies and activities, or caring for the elderly.

Such activities are God-pleasing, and with them we are busy serving the Lord. We might say, however, that this is “Martha busy,” which can result in our neglecting the one thing needful. Remember Jesus’ words to Martha, “’…You are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her’.” 

How important was this encouragement from the Lord for Martha! She also secured that one needed thing from Jesus, and it was there when she needed it—for when her brother Lazarus took sick, she knew to turn to the Lord. And when Lazarus died, she was confident that he would rise again on the last day.  “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:24).The One Thing Needful

GOD’S OBSCURE SAINTS

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(First in a Series) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us… GOD’S OBSCURE SAINTS

Baptism: Mere Ceremony or a Sacrament?

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 Dove_webOur title may seem at first to be a silly question,
but assuredly it is not. 

In the religious world of our day doctrine is no longer a matter of Scriptural integrity but is rather a matter of popular vote. We have seen this for some time and understand well that our Lord says: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2 Timothy 4:3).

Saving faith in Jesus trusts in the Spirit’s clarity, wisdom, and life-giving power. If God says it, that settles it!

Human reason is the driving force behind much of modern theology. Because of it, we see all manner of deadly practices and teachings. Dr. Martin Luther said it well when he remarked that we should poke out the eyes of our reason and hear only what God says. Saving faith in Jesus trusts in the Spirit’s clarity, wisdom, and life-giving power. If God says it, that settles it!

Let us then consider what our Lord says on His precious doctrine of Holy Baptism. “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism…”  (1 Peter 3:21a).Baptism: Mere Ceremony or a Sacrament?

Led by God

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Moses prayed for it at Mt. Sinai when he said,  

“If Your Presence does not go with  us, do not bring us up from here.”    

Gideon wanted to be certain he had it, so he asked for the signs of wet fleece on dry ground and dry fleece on wet ground (Judges 6:36ff).

King Solomon knew its importance for himself and his kingdom when the Lord appeared to him in a dream (1 Kings 3:5ff).Led by God

The Importance of Good Spiritual Eyesight

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Good eyesight is highly valued. It enables a person to gaze upon the world and see things clearly. And oh, what a delight to behold the vast beauties of God’s creation and to cast our eyes on those who are near and dear to us!

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your The Importance of Good Spiritual Eyesight

A Remembrance of Sin— a Remembrance of Him!

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 What comes to mind with the word
Boston?

Before the horrific event that occurred two months ago, a person may well have associated that city’s name with the Tea Party or the marathon or even the music group popular in the 70s and 80s.

That was until April 15, 2013! Ever since then what people will associate with the city of Boston has drastically changed. That was the date those bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston marathon, killing a few and seriously injuring many others.

What comes to mind with the word
sacrifice?

The divinely inspired author of the epistle to the Hebrews tells us what the answer would have been among the Jews in the centuries before Christ. In their sacrifices there was a constant reminder of sins (10:3). Year in and year out—even day after day—countless animal sacrifices on the altar at theA Remembrance of Sin— a Remembrance of Him!

Joy to the World, The Spirit’s Come

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(Text: Pastor Bruce Naumann; sung to the tune of TLH #87; see devotion, The Holy Spirit’s Christmas)

1.
Joy to the world, the Spirit’s come!
Thus we receive our Lord.
His pow’rful Word prepares Him room,
For His great gifts outpoured,
For His great gifts outpoured,
For His, for His great gifts outpoured.Joy to the World, The Spirit’s Come