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WEEKLY DEVOTION MAY 11
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Pastor Bruce Kischnick, Grace Lutheran Church, New Albany, IN
“They’re Baaaaccckkk!!”
READING: 2 Peter 2:20-22 – If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “The sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”
You may remember a couple of months ago me talking in a weekly devotion about the bamboo patch across Mel Smith Road from the “Church on the Rock”. A developer has purchased that acreage and is planning a development there. Previous owners had planted a clump of bamboo that had been allowed to grow wild for some years. It had nearly swallowed up the old stable there and was increasing in size year after year. The developer had sent in a bulldozer to take out the rhizome structure of most of the clump, and I was speculating whether or not they got all of it because if just one piece survived, the clump would start its comeback.
Well, they’re baaaaccckkk!! I had noticed in the fence row along the roadside a lot of brown bamboo stalks. I thought they may have hit those with an herbicide, but now I think they were just in winter dormancy. In the past two weeks all of those stalks have greened up and are growing madly. The whole roadside is sprouting bamboo and already new stalks are poking through. They’ll have their hands full trying to eradicate the bamboo.
In our text St. Peter is talking about men who had received the Gospel of Jesus with joy only to turn that Gospel into something tainted and destructive. They used the Gospel to feather their own nests and to gain the trust of the gullible. St. Peter says it would have been better for them never to have heard the truth for when the judgement comes, they will be held accountable for blasphemy and for the evil to which they led others.
What a sad state of affairs! To have learned the good news of Jesus and his death and resurrection. To have learned of his salvation and to gain the hope of eternal life in his name. And then to spurn it all or, worse yet, to twist it into a snare by which unknowing and unwitting others are lured away from the truth and led into emptiness or depravity. Such a result is truly worse than such people never hearing the name of Jesus. Their judgement would have been less severe.
But like those bamboo shoots on Mel Smith Road, sin and its roots are hard to eradicate. Left without repentance, left without a willing spirit to resist, left without a constant influx of God’s word, his sacraments, his worship, and the encouragement of his people, sin pokes through. It pulls us back into depravity. It threatens to turn the good news of Jesus into an opportunity for selfish gain and a return to self-righteousness and pride.
An example is a program on cable TV called “Camp Meeting”. It’s usually on in the early morning programming, and whenever I catch a couple minutes of it, I find myself gritting my teeth! It masquerades as a “Christian evangelism” program, but there is no Gospel. The whole “show” (and that is what it is) is based on one thing: plant “a financial seed and God will provide you with a harvest”. I cannot remember the last time I heard the name of Jesus spoken there. I cannot remember the last time any Gospel was spoken. The whole show is aimed at getting the hearers to “show God their faith” by sending a tithe of some size to the program so that God can reciprocate by bringing an even larger financial windfall to the listeners. The bigger the seed, the bigger the harvest: that is their promise. It is pure paganism. And I shudder to think what these “preachers” will face when they stand before the Lord at the judgement.
We rejoice in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. We rest our salvation on HIS works, HIS righteousness, HIS death, and HIS resurrection. We turn from the ways of the world and do our best to walk in his ways. And we trust his Word that tells us we are saved by faith alone in the Son of God, Jesus our Lord. When sin threatens to “poke through”, we confess it and let God’s grace keep us in his Kingdom. Thanks be to God! Amen.
PRAYER:
ANNOUNCEMENT(S):
1) CONFIRMATION REQUEST: Our Junior Confirmands are well into their preparations for Confessional Sunday and Confirmation Day, May 16 and 23 respectively. So, I would ask you to remember them in your prayers. Ask the Lord to pour his Holy Spirit upon them to clarify all they’ve been taught and to bring to mind the knowledge that they’ll need in the next two weeks. More than that, ask the Lord to hold them steadfast and sure through the coming years so that their gifts of baptism and their desire for communion will not desert them.
2) Our brothers and sisters in Christ at Shepherd of the Hills, Georgetown, have announced the installation of their new pastor, Rev. Andrew Becker, on Sunday, May 23, at 3:00. You are invited to join them in giving thanks for God’s gift.
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/c0R_NNqqnrE
pastork@glcna.com — (502) 797-7407
PRINTABLE PDF: WEEKLYDEVMay11.PDF
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WEEKLY DEVOTION MAY 10
Monday, May 10, 2021
Pastor Matthew Woods from Grace Lutheran Church in New Albany, Indiana
“Luther’s Light Sleeper”
Hard Work and a Deep Sleep
Have you ever taken a nap that you couldn’t wake yourself up from? Friday, Tricia and I planted eight large trees. Each tree needed a huge hole. However, the ground was clumpy with clay. Not only did we have to dig each hole by hand but before each clump of clay could be thrown back in around the tree it had to be chopped up so that it didn’t create air pockets. My shoulders are still aching.
Somehow, we also had a squirrel get into the house recently through a vent. The dumb thing made a mess. That meant having to open up the drywall in the bathroom ceiling. We only finished the room a couple of years ago. But we had to get into the ceiling to repair the damage done by the squirrel.
So, it all finally came to a head on Saturday afternoon. I sat down on the couch for just a minute and the next thing I know I was out; not just out but in a deep, sound asleep. I heard the dog bark, and the TV running but it was like I couldn’t break out of my slumber. It was one of those naps that was hard to wake up from. Ever nap like that? Well, Martin Luther in a sermon from 1533 suggests that those who sleep in sleep lighter in death than I did on my couch. Sound’s strange but consider his logic.
The Raising of the Widow’s Son at Nain
Consider the text that he reads from in Luke 7:11-17. 11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
Luther-For Those in Christ Death is a Light Sleep
Luther makes the point that before the Lord Jesus, death is not death but a sleep. He says, “With all hope gone, and everyone disheartened by the death of son, our dear Lord comes, without healing medicines, and speaks merely a word. ‘Young man, I say to you Arise!’ At once the dead man arises and is alive…though we die, with him we are not dead. The boy’s death is gone, and life has returned. It is just as Christ states in the Gospel: ‘God is not the God of the dead but of the living.’”
“That is what should learn from today’s Gospel lesson, namely, the great power of God will exert it’s power upon us through Christ on Judgement Day, when with one word he will call forth from the dead all people and bless the believers eternally…. The widows son is dead, with all senses and hearing stopped; but as soon as Christ speaks to him, he hears. The one who does not hear, hears; the one who does not live, lives. And yet Christ does nothing more than open his mouth and tell him to arise. That one word is so powerful that death must yield, and life again returns.”
And here is the encouraging point from Luther. “We are to understand that Christ is saying to us, I know that you are afraid of death; but you must not be afraid, do not let your heart be troubled; for even though death has terrors for you, what can it do to you?….Jesus says, ‘I can very easily raise you from the dead—as easily as you rouse someone from their sleep—and He desires very much to do so, having both the necessary power and intention….”
“Therefore, those who lie dead and buried in the churchyard and under the ground sleep more lightly than we do in our beds. We know that a person sleeps so soundly that he is called ten times before he ever hears. But the dead hear that one word from Jesus and wake up. The moment he speaks just once, ‘Young man, I say to you get up!’; ‘Lazarus come forth!”; Young Lady, I say to you get up!’. They heard in an instant…. It is true, we sleep much more soundly in bed than we do in the churchyard! Thus, before God, death is not death but a light sleep.”
When Jesus Calls Your Name You Will Wake Up Too
Luther is long on words but his point is worth noting. Jesus refers to death as sleep; rest. As the end of the Easter Season gives way to the Season of Pentecost, I invite you to consider the power of the resurrection one more time.
When our name was called at baptism we were made as children of God according to Galatians 3. The Lord is not going to leave any child behind on the last day. When we hear the Lord call our name in the resurrection His voice will be recognizable and distinct. His voice will be life-giving. Speaking your name will make you alive. Our dead ears will hear and we will come to life again. Someday the Lord will say, “Matt I say to you arise.” And as 1 Corinthians 15 says that in an instant we will be changed in a flash in the twinkling of an eye, no longer mortal but immortal; no longer perishable but imperishable. No longer asleep but awake and rested.
Martin Luther makes a great observation. My nap was deeper than those who rest in Christ. When the Lord calls you by name no one can prevent your resurrection from happening. Nothing can keep you from hearing His voice. Nothing can keep you from waking up to the resurrection. This is the good news that we have been celebrating this Easter season. This in itself should give you peace and calm your fears. This is where we rest our hope, In Jesus.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with His favor and give you His peace in Jesus. Amen.
Pastor Matthew Woods
John 3:30
PRINTABLE PDF: WDMay10.PDF
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/lsqBlGrAB48
matt.woods@glcna.com — (502) 523-9327
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ROCK OUT!
Pack your bags! It’s time for the annual Sr. High camping trip where we welcome the 8th graders and bid farewell to our seniors.
When: May 14th & 15th
Where: Camp Lakeview in Seymour, IN
Time: Leave church Friday at 5:30 pm and return Saturday at 7:30 pm
Who: All SR. High youth and 8th grade Confirmands
Cost: FREE!! Please bring a package of individually packed snacks to share.
This will be a weekend to remember as we “Rock out” and focus on the Rock!
We will enjoy games, archery tag, campfire devotions, the lake, and an epic Lip-Sync Battle.
Please sign up in the youth wing by May 9th. Call or email Rosie (502-442-1474 or rebling@glcna.com ) with any questions or concerns.
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Grace Lutheran Church
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Please register to be a VOLUNTEER. Click here!
Ages 4 thru Entering 5th Grade
JUNE 27–30, 2021
PRE-REGISTERING ALL STUDENTS THIS YEAR.
REGISTRATION BEGINS NOW
MUST BE REGISTERED BY SUNDAY, JUNE 20th
THE ONLINE FORM TO REGISTER AND PURCHASE VBS T-SHIRTS,
CLICK HERE!
THE COST OF THE SHIRTS WILL BE $10 EACH.
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Confessional Sunday
On Sunday, May 16, the 8th grade confirmands will give voice to their faith in the worship services that morning. Each of them will share publicly with us about one of the chief parts of the faith and answer some questions for https://glcna.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=7&action=edit#edit_timestampus.
Confirmation Sunday
On Sunday, May 23 during the 10:30 am service, our 8th grade confirmands will be confirmed and then be guests at a reception in the Fireside Room following the service.
Please keep these young people in your prayers as they prepare themselves for this milestone in their lives and in their personal faith in the Lord Jesus.
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Pastor’s Classes
Beginning, April 11 from 1:00-3:00 pm
• An Instruction course designed to serve as an Adult Confirmation class by which non-members may become communicant members of the congregation.
• A Seekers class for those drawn to Christianity and wanting to know more about deciding on a particular church.
• A Refresher course for members who have been out of confirmation class for a time and want to review Christian doctrine from a Lutheran perspective.
The classes are Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at church beginning April 11. Please contact Pastor Kischnick if you have any questions.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NOTES
9:35 Kids Worship for Parents & Children
This new offering was very successful and enjoyed by all!
Grace Notes available Online
Grace Notes started as a children’s version of the confirmation level Sermon Notes. It has grown to two full pages front and back with Bible verses according to the weekly church readings, pictures illustrating stories or verses, a prayer box, and puzzles. Grace Notes are part of the Grace Packs (single use church bags) available on Sundays.
Grace Notes are an awesome way to build on the online service as an opportunity for devotion and discussion.
Children’s Ministry Contact Information
Email: sabrina.haug@glcna.com
Phone/Text: 502-386-6371
Facebook: Grace Lutheran Children’s Ministry
Web: www.glcna.org – click Children’s Ministry in right-side Index
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JR. & SR. HIGH YOUTH
Jr. High (5-8 grades)
Meet in the Jr. High Room from 9:15-10:15 on Sunday mornings for Bible study, games, sweets and fun!
Sr. High Youth (9-12 grades)
Join us Wednesdays from 5:45-6:45 pm in the Sr. High Room for Bible study, games, and fun!
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SERVICES IN THE BUILDING AND ONLINE!
PLEASE, we ask that you do not attend if you are older than 65, have any illness or underlying health condition that makes you more vulnerable to the virus, or if you are feeling unwell, or are just not comfortable yet, we encourage you to stay at home and watch us online. Online Sunday services are a new addition and will remain indefinitely. For those planning to attend, we encourage you to wear a face mask, refrain from hand shaking and hugging. We will sanitize everything before and after services. We also will be spacing people apart in the Sanctuary.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE: (* = Communion).
Sunday, May 9, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, May 15, *5:00 pm — (Confessional Sunday) Sunday, May 16, 8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, May 22, 5:00 pm — (8th Grade Confirmation Sunday) Sunday, May 23, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, May 29, 5:00 pm — Sunday, May 30, 8:00 & 10:30 am
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Grace Pages –
For the child in all of us!
Bring the message home with activity pages. Enjoy yourself or share with someone. Use as family devotion. New pages posted weekly on children’s ministry page @ glcna.org.
FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE CHILDRENS MINISTRY PAGE!
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Bring Your Can to Church
Feed the Hungry
On Sunday, June 6th, we will again collect items for the food pantry to help feed the hungry. We can use: freezer items (meats, cheese, bread – place in food pantry freezer), mac & cheese, spaghetti sauce & noodles, jelly, canned meat, canned pastas, canned fruit, pork n’ beans, rice, potatoes, crackers, toiletries, baby diapers, wipes, formula, etc.
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Sunday Adult Bible Class
Pastor Kischnick’s Sunday Adult Bible Class are meeting in the Fireside Room from 9:15-10:15 am. We’ll be studying “The Little Books” beginning with I Timothy. Come join us!
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For more information (Your Bulletin) check out
NEWS & TIDBITS at the top right box
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For more Devotions check out RECENT DEVOTIONS
at the top right box
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THE LUTHERAN HOUR RADIO BROADCAST
The Lutheran Hour can be heard on WHAS 840, at 6:30 a.m. Louisville and WSLM (1220 AM and 97.9 FM) 10:15 a.m.
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Grace Lutheran Preschool
Call: (812) 941-1912 Email: preschool@glcna.com
www.gracelutheran.school, click here!
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CENTENARY MEALS
FOR THE HUNGRY
Feeding the Hungry in 2021 Volunteers from Grace are needed to help cook, serve and clean up at Centenary on the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Talk to your friends, to your team, to your group. We need volunteers for March thru December 2020.
Let Tim Goebel know if you can help. See Pastor Kischnick or Tim Goebel with questions.
Centenary’s Christ’s Kitchen
2231 Green Valley Road, New Albany, IN