Pastor's August Article

 

WHY WORSHIP?

 

Following the resurrection, the early Christians were very anxious to be with fellow believers.  They had a faith and hope they never realized previously.  No longer did they feel the oppressive nature of the Law.  Saved by grace they looked forward to the day when Jesus would return or at least at their death, they knew the promise of eternal life with Him. Later, during the periods of persecution they would even meet in secret, hiding and worshipping in the catacombs (burial places for the dead) so the Romans would not disrupt their worship and put them to death.

 

Moving much later to the period following the Reformation (1500’s) our early Lutheran ancestors took seriously salvation by grace alone and faced persecution again, but the church grew stronger. Later in the 1800’s when rationalism became prevalent in the European countries our Missouri Synod founders fled Germany and came to America to be able to establish communities centered on worship of pure Scriptural principles.  Worship was strong as each community sacrificed to see that churches were built to come together and praise and receive strength in Word and Sacrament.  Schools were built also so that the next generation would learn what God’s Word said. 

 

Our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, of which Faith is a member, remained very active in maintaining strong worship practices into the 50’s and 60’s.  As a child I can remember large attendance at worship, even Advent, Lenten and Easter Sunrise Services.  Special services outside the local church such as Mission Festivals and Reformation services and special Circuit and District services were fostered and well-attended.

 

But much of that has severely dwindled.  Affluence, outside activities, and pleasures of this world have had a crucial effect on worship.  God’s Word says: “Seek first the Kingdom of God.”  I believe we need to pray fervently that God’s grace will help our society and our personal attitudes to realize the need to continue to worship our Creator and Redeemer.  That His Holy Spirit draws us to realize His steadfast love that we need not know adversity to return to seek His preservation and care.  Help us personally to remember His words: “And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds, not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:24-25         

 

Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor

July Sermons

God Strengthens His Church

6/25/2021

An Attribute Of God, Compassion

6/18/2021

 

Praise God For His Grace

6/11/2021

Free To Speak In Love

6/4/2021

July Pastor's Article

 

FREEDOM WITH SECURITY

 

I recalled a statement by one of our nation’s founders so I looked it up and found it was made by Ben Franklin which says: “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”  It means so much to us in terms of the tension between government power and individual liberties.  It is one statement very much debated in today’s political scene.

 

During July much emphasis is placed on our freedom as a country as we celebrate our nation’s independence.  Along with the July 4^th celebration we also want to thank God for our nation.  Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles - although sometimes flawed by human sinfulness.  God has certainly blessed us and we should prayerfully strive to follow His will in showing love and concern for all.

 

In spite of political ramifications or decisions by our government, we as Christians, can be assured that we have both freedom and security under God’s grace.

 

Our freedom is in Jesus Christ, Who died and rose, overcoming sin, death and the devil.  Our security lies in His promise that nothing can separate us from His love for us, even unto eternal life.  God enables and strengthens us through all trials of this life and gives us peace and eternal joy.  In faith we know He keeps His promises.

 

As those made righteous by the blood of Christ - the new “Israel” we want to remember what God said to the people of Israel at the time of Solomon’s dedication of the new temple “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land,” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

 

Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor

June Sermons

Christ The Word Of Life

6/27/2021

 Identifying The Christ

6/20/2021

Always With The Lord

6/13/2021

Blessings Of Afflictions

6/6/2021

June Pastor's Article

PLANS, PRIORITIES AND PROCRASTINATION

June is here! For many it is a time to look forward to summer activities. As a student I always looked forward to summer vacation when we were free to go to museums in St. Louis, Forest Park, fishing, etc.

This year, for sure, there are many, who after months of COVID want to get out and do things. Things are really opening up, especially for those vaccinated; who know the fear has lessened for serious medical problems. It’s great to be able to make plans. Where do we start?

As Christians we want to prioritize our activities. Scripture reminds us “Seek first the kingdom of God.” So this encourages us to include worshiping Him in our plans. If traveling, simply look at the week and remember to take time to attend worship so that the Holy Spirit will continue to strengthen us in our faith through Word and Sacrament.

June is the month for Father’s Day, when we take the opportunity to honor our earthly fathers or father-figures, who in most cases showed their love and provided for us throughout our years. So much more we want to always remember the undeserved love and grace of our Heavenly Father, who gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins, assures us of eternal life and is with us every day of our earthly life.

This summer don’t “procrastinate” – that is “Put off ‘til later” those plans for doing things you enjoy. God wants us to love the life He has given us. But, don’t procrastinate and put-off worshiping the One Who gives you all things

eternally.

I also want to especially thank the congregation for your many prayers of healing for Pastor Zastrow and myself after our recent auto accident on the way to Pastor’s Conference in Belle, May 18th which resulted in totaling both vehicles, braking three of my ribs, plus scrapes and bruises . We praise and thank God that His holy angels kept us from a much more serious outcome!

--Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor