JULY-AUGUST Pastor's Articles

JULY & AUGUST NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

This time of the year, I often remember to thank the Lord that He gave His people the ability to invent air-conditioning.  Some people enjoy the hot weather, but I am not one of them.  Now, let’s get on to more important issues in our lives then the weather!

With the whole pandemic situation, there is concern with our educational system and whether to open our schools as usual; how to deal with increased cases of the Covid-19 virus; to mask or not to mask,; what about the increased pressure on police due to more criminal acts in our communities; added to this is the social unrest prompted by prejudice on all sides; plus the outlook of elections that seem to have more dramatic effects on our values and existence than ever before.

As Christians, we know that the ultimate cause of all our concerns is the sin that exists in the world.  Satan is the source of confusion, sickness, hatred and turmoil.  Like Job, in the Old Testament, we may want to question why God allows all these negative things to happen. We must remember that in the midst of all the chaos, God is still in control and like Job exclaim “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.”  His promises far exceed the cares of this life as shown through Jesus’ resurrection.

Historically, Christianity grows in times of crises.  We pray that we reflect the hope that is assured us through our Baptism and offer others encouragement to seek God’s guidance in decisions on all fronts, seek His strength to overcome negative biases and prejudices. We want to support those who work for good with prayers, encouragement and resources whenever possible.  Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you.  Amen.

Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor

June and July Faith Sermons

Faith Online

The Kingdom of God is Like ...
7/26/2020

Sorry no Sermon Video this week.
7/19/2020

Being Good Soil Allows Faith to Grow
7/12/2020

Freedom Has a Cost and a Responsibility
7/5/2020

Following Jesus is Not Always Easy
6/28/2020

The Fear of God displaces the fear of man.
The Fear of God displaces the fear of man. Part 2

6/23/2020

The Christian Church needs workers for the Kingdom of God
6/14/2020

The Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity: The Basics of the Christian Faith
The Holy Trinity: The Basics of the Christian Faith. Part 2
6/7/2020

PANDEMIC PARALLELS

The past few months have been a unique chapter in our history as a country and world. The Covid 19 has affected all of us in some way. Thankfully most of us have not experienced sickness or the loss of loved ones due to the virus. Our prayers of comfort and healing are on our hearts as Christians for all who are suffering. Likewise, we are thankful for all those who are caregivers and first responders during these difficult times.


For many the experience has been more of an inconvenience or interruptions in our usual, comfortable lives. Not to be able to go see loved ones in the hospital or care centers, not eating out or visiting friends, wearing masks to shop, etc. For Christians it has added the challenge of not being able to assemble normally for worship and partake of the Lord’s Supper to strengthen our faith as God’s people. Although, we have been able to hear His Word and worship through media. Fortunately we are now able to attend services and have the sacrament now with safe restrictions.


We know that all sickness and distress in this world is the result of our sinful condition. Yet, we have God’s promise of grace in Jesus Christ to strengthen us unto eternal life. This latter thought causes me to ponder the greater Pandemic that has existed consistently since the fall of mankind after the creation. Man was created perfect but fell into disobedience which is now a part of our very existence as human beings. This pandemic means that all people will eventually die, both physically and eternally unless our relationship with God is restored. But, God’s undeserved love (grace) for man intervened. He promised that His Son would suffer for our sins and assure us of an eternal life with Him in heaven. That “vaccine” culminated in Jesus’ dying and rising for you and me. All those who believe in what Christ did for us is eternally healed. He also promised that His Holy Spirit, who works through Word and Sacrament to strengthen us in faith and the ability to endure all hardships of this life with blessings along the way.


Thankfully, we have again begun regular worship at Faith on Sundays with safe restrictions. Sunday, June 7th, Bible class resumes at 9:15 A.M. in the sanctuary so safe distancing can be maintained. Restrictions are necessary because God does want us to properly care for the life He has given. He is also the One, Who gives the skills and abilities those trained to advise us on proper care. For those who do not feel comfortable attending for health reasons, our services continue on-line:
faithwashingtonmo.blogspot.com Private communion can be arranged by calling me at: 314-659-9424. Have a blessed life in God’s grace through Christ.

Rev. James. W. Rhiver, Pastor

April and May Faith Sermons

Faith Online

Pentecost Sunday
The Spirit Works Through Speaking and Hearing
The Spirit Works Through Speaking and Hearing Part 2

5/31/2020

Ascension Sunday the 7th Sunday of Easter
Our Glory Lies in Jesus' Glory on the Cross  Part 1
Our Glory Lies in Jesus' Glory on the Cross  Part 2

5/25/2020

6th Easter Sunday
        Jesus Never Leaves Us  Part 1
        Jesus Never Leaves Us  Part 2
5/17/2020


5th Easter Sunday
       Called to be Priests in the Kingdom of God   Part 1
        Called to be Priests in the Kingdom of God   Part 2 
5/10/2020

4th Easter Sunday
Be Imitators by Christs Power
5/3/2020

3rd Easter Sunday:
Christ Commissions And Strengthens His Church
4/26/2020

2nd Easter Sunday:
Life in the Risen Christ is Often Tested
4/19/2020

Easter Sunday:

Easter Sunday Service

4/12/2020

Holy Week:

Holy Week Message

MAY 2020 Pastor's Article

MAY NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

Our Church – In Dispersion

Greetings in the Risen Lord!

Well, it certainly looks like we’re having a beautiful spring. The redbuds and dogwoods are blooming; tulips and irises are beginning to open up – but wait, many of us are stuck inside. Two positive things about this spring, nature wise, are that many of us seem to be staying away from the Covid 19 virus and we’re not affected as much by allergies since we’re indoors! Who would have imagined this a year ago or even three months ago? And, I hope you feel the same as I do. I’d rather be in church on Sunday morning with others than watching a worship service on a screen or listening to it on the radio. But, praise the Lord, as least we can stay in touch with God’s Word through the techniques of modern science.
Spiritually, there are too important events in Scripture that are noted in the church in May this year. The first is Ascension Day – often overlooked because it usually falls in the middle of the week. But Ascension is important. On that day we remember how Jesus ascended into heaven after having been with the disciples for 40 days after His Resurrection. On that day He promised to be with His followers to the end of time. He promised them (that includes us!) His Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them (us). After He disappeared into the clouds, His holy angel gave the assurance that He would come again.
The second important event of May this year is Pentecost, May 31. (I hope by that time we will be able to have worship back at our church building.) On Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles inspiring them to begin to proclaim publicly the fact of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Both of these events give us the assurance that no matter where we are as believers in Christ, we are the church. And being the church, right now in dispersion, we can and want to continue to trust and proclaim Him. He is with you! Call a friend, a relative, someone you love and in your words of comfort, friendship and reaching out to them, share His promises of strength and the assurance that we have His eternal grace no matter how this pandemic turns out. Pray for all involved in helping during this time of crisis and for our leaders to be wise in their decisions, but above all remember Christ’s promise, “Surely, I am with you always.”

Rev. James Rhiver, Pastor