The Pharisees were outwardly very respectable people. They upheld the Law, and were proud of it. They were perhaps not the first, but they were certainly the most important of the “holier than thou” groups. Their idea was that they would build a fence, so to speak, around God’s Law, to prevent people from breaking it. Most of the practices of modern Judaism derive from the practices of the Pharisees in one way or another.

For example, God’s command is not to take his name in vain. The Pharisees said that in order to prevent using God’s name in vain, we shouldn’t say his name at all. This tradition became so widespread that we are not entirely sure how the Hebrew name of God should be pronounced.

As another example, God actually gave a command to the Jews that they should not boil a baby goat in its mother’s milk, in Exodus 23:19. To prevent that from ever happening, the Pharisees introduced a tradition that kept Jews from eating milk and meat at the same meal.

God gives the command to honor the Sabbath, to keep it holy, and not to work on the Sabbath day. The Pharisees set up an elaborate list of traditions to define what did and did not constitute work.

The Pharisees started out with good intentions, the intention to uphold God’s Law. But despite their intentions, they missed the whole point of the Law. Once Adam and Eve fell in to sin, it became impossible for us to keep God’s Law. Even if we could keep the letter of the law, we know that we could not keep the spirit of it. The Law demands perfect obedience in thought, word, and deed, and even the slightest deviation from that standard is enough to condemn us forever. Have you ever even thought about hurting someone else? That’s enough. Have you ever spoken harshly, or in anger? That’s enough. You have broken God’s Law, and you are subject to God’s eternal punishment.

The punishment for breaking the Law is quite clear – eternal damnation, separation from God for all eternity. As God says through the prophet Ezekiel, “the soul that sins, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:13). As Paul says, “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

Thankfully, though, there is hope, because God came to live among us and fulfill the Law that we could not. As often as we break it, we know that Jesus was tempted just as we are, but instead of yielding to that temptation he resisted it, and kept the Law as we could not. That is why his suffering and death were innocent – because he never sinned, he could offer himself as as sacrifice on our behalf. And so we trust in that perfect life, and his innocent suffering and death to cover our sins, and that will be our plea when we face God in the end. When Satan (which means “accuser”, by the way) accuses us before God, we can plead that we are not guilty because Jesus’ blood covers our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

But now that we know what Jesus has done for us, does that mean that the Law has no meaning? That we don’t need to follow it? Is that what Jesus is saying here, to these Pharisees, that the Law is optional for us?

First off, we definitely want to say that following God’s Law is not optional for anyone. We were saved from sin, not so that we could sin more. But we have to understand what God’s Law actually requires of us.

In our text for today, Jesus puts the Pharisees to the test. A man is sick with the dropsy, which is called edema today – an abnormal swelling with fluid. And so Jesus asks, “Is it legal to heal someone on the Sabbath?” The Pharisees cannot answer, because their framework of traditions does not include the notion of miracles.

So Jesus heals the man, and in so doing, teaches us an important lesson about the Law. Not all of the Law of the Old Testament is on the same footing. We use different terms today to refer to these classifications of the Law – moral, ceremonial, and civil. The ceremonial and civil laws were introduced by God primarily through Moses.

The moral law is binding for all people at all times. We recognize elements of the moral law because it is written on our hearts in the form of conscience. Almost every society, even the pagan ones, has laws against murder and burglary, and promotes marriage and family. There are exceptions, but it is common enough. We see evidence of this in Scripture because Cain is punished for murdering Abel, long before the actual giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. We recognize these as the definitive statement of the moral law, but they certainly were binding before they were given and are still binding today.

The ceremonial and civil laws were the laws God gave through Moses for Israel to govern itself until the Messiah, Christ, came. They were binding for the people of Israel but are not binding on us today. We know this because Scripture tells us so directly – in recent weeks, we have studied Acts 10, where God tells Peter to kill and eat. Peter refuses, because the animals in his vision are ceremonially unclean. Three times, God tells him to kill and eat, to understand that the Jewish law that he had lived under his whole life has been set aside. Similarly, Paul tells the Colossians that they are not to allow anyone to judge them with regards to food or Sabbath or holy days (Col 2:16) – all things very distinctive of the Jewish ceremonial law. Even for those to whom the ceremonial law was binding, there were circumstances where they could break it without sinning. Jesus mentions one here – if an ox or donkey falls into a pit on the Sabbath, it is not a violation of God’s law to get it out. In the same way, Jesus uses the example of King David’s men eating the showbread when they were on the run – according to the ceremonial law, only priests could eat the showbread – but David’s men were running for their lives and that was the only food available, so they ate it. In the Gospel of Mark, when the Pharisees criticize Jesus’ disciples for eating grain on the Sabbath, Jesus says “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” When we allow ourselves to think or believe than man was made for the Sabbath, we are perverting the Law, and making it an end unto itself. The point of the ceremonial law is to foreshadow Christ, and point us to Him. As Paul says (Col 2:17) “Which are a shadow of the things to come – the body is in Christ.”

All of this stands in very stark contrast to how Jesus handled the woman who was caught in adultery, which we recently discussed in adult Bible class. In that case, there wasn’t any question that she had done wrong, and there really wasn’t any question whether she deserved to die for it. There is a big difference between deserving death and being shown mercy and not deserving death at all. As we can tell from Jesus’ final words to her – “Go and sin no more” – this is another example of the moral law that applies to everyone.

So, you might wonder, what good do the Jewish civil and ceremonial laws do for us today, if they do not apply to us?

For one thing, they help us to understand the world that the New Testament was written in. We may not understand the implications of the Jewish laws, but Peter and John sure did. How can we understand the importance of Peter’s vision in Acts 10, where God told him to kill and eat, without understanding the Jewish ceremonial law? How can we understand John the Baptist’s cry, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”, without knowing about the Passover and the Jewish ceremonies tied to it? How could we understand the importance or necessity of the sacrifice of Jesus, or the value of his blood, without knowing about the daily sacrifices that were carried out in the ceremonial law?

The earliest Christian church sure believed it had to understand the history of Israel. It was very important to the church to preserve the entire Old Testament for us to read and understand, including the ceremonial law. Perhaps most importantly, we need to understand that the ceremonial law was temporary from the very beginning, that it was never meant as a way for us to earn God’s favor. Paul points out that God gave Abraham the Gospel first, long before the law of Moses came into play. And from this we learn that while God’s law is good, the Gospel is a greater and more important word. At the same time, the Law is important – it shows us how to live out our lives of gratitude. Let us keep each in their proper place, until we face God in joy and thankfulness. Amen.

- Martin Jackson

THE LIGHTNING

AND THE SIGN OF THE FIG TREE

Read Matthew 24:27, 32-33

“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be … Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”

Jesus compares His return on the Last Day to a flash of lightning coming out of the east and shining to the west. Our Lord Jesus will return quickly and suddenly – “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:52). There will be no time for repentance when we see Christ coming in the clouds of glory with all His holy angels! When that time comes, the Judgment will take place. Those who have believed the Gospel and trust in Christ as their Savior will be taken to heaven to enjoy the eternal blessings of the LORD, but those who have not turned from their sins to Christ their Savior will be condemned to eternal torment in the fires of hell! Cf. Mark 16:16; John 3:18,36; 2 Thess. 1:6-10.

While we do not know the day or hour of Christ’s return, we do not need to be caught off guard. We can tell from a fig tree (or from other deciduous trees), when they sprout and put forth new leaves, that summer is near. So also, we should know that with the fulfillment of the signs spoken of in Matthew, chapter 24, the Day of Christ’s return is imminent, “even at the doors.” Since all these things have happened and the Gospel has been “preached in all the world” (v. 14), we can soon expect to see “the powers of the heavens . . shaken” (v.29) and the return of Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead!

If you wanted to take a still photograph of a flash of lightning, you would never catch it on film if you waited until you saw the lightning streak across the sky and then lifted your camera to shoot. You would always be too late! In order to catch a streak of lightning with a still camera, you must point the camera in the direction of the threatening clouds, open the shutter, and wait until the lightning strikes. In the same way, if we want to be found in the faith at Christ’s return, we cannot wait until we see Him coming in glory! Instead we should take note of the imminent return of Christ, turn from our sins to Him for salvation, and look for His coming to take us and all other believers to be with Him in heaven.

Great God, what do I see and hear? the end of things created; the Judge of mankind doth appear on clouds of glory seated. The trumpet sounds; the graves restore the dead which they contained before: prepare, my soul, to meet Him. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #604, Verse 1)

“Jesus, the Light of the World”

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Have you ever tried to walk some place in total darkness? Perhaps in a cave, or on a moonless light? What happened? Without any light, we lose our way and begin to trip and stumble over everything. But what if a friend has a bright flashlight? If we walk with him, we can see and find our way. But if we do not follow closely, we again begin to stumble and grope in the darkness.

We live in a world of darkness when it comes to a knowledge of the truth. People don’t know or understand who they are, how they got here, why they are here or how to live. People do not know God their Maker or how to walk in fellowship with Him. Instead, people deny the existence of God, believe they are freak accidents of evolution, and have no idea of their purpose here in this world or what will happen to them after they die.

To the people of this dark and sinful world who are groping about in spiritual darkness, trying this and that to find happiness and fulfillment, Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Jesus truly is the light of the world. He spoke the truth about our utter sinfulness before God and the judgment we deserve, and He spoke the truth when He called upon lost sinners to repent and trust in Him for forgiveness of sins and life everlasting (cf. John 8:23-24; 8:44; 8:34-36; 8:51; 3:3-6, 14-21).

Jesus, the very Son of God, took on human flesh and blood and came into this world to save sinners like you and me. He lived a holy life under God’s law and then suffered and died upon the cross to bear the punishment for our sins. And Jesus’ resurrection is proof that God accepted His sacrifice for sin and we are justified before God (Rom. 4:25). Jesus is “the Light of Life.” In Him alone can we sinners have life in fellowship with God our Maker, both now and forever!

What shall we do? Shall we continue to grope around in darkness, trying to find our own way? Or, shall we follow Jesus, the Light of the world? Like the person walking next to one with a flashlight, if we walk with Jesus by trusting in Him as our Savior and being led and guided continually by His Word, we will “not walk in darkness,” but “have the light of life.” We will be comforted with the knowledge and assurance of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting through faith in His name! And, we will be led and guided in the right way through this life.

On the other hand, if we wander off and do not follow closely after the Lord Jesus, we will quickly find ourselves groping and stumbling through the darkness of sin and death, not knowing the way to God or how to live for Him.

O Dearest Jesus, “in Thy light shall we see light” (Psalm 36:9). Graciously shine upon our hearts, revealing our sin, but comforting us with Thy forgiveness; and lead us safely through this life to Thyself in heaven. Amen.

The Augsburg Confession

Article IV: Of Justification.

Also they teach that men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works, but are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, who, by His death, has made satisfaction for our sins. This faith God imputes for righteousness in His sight. Rom. 3 and 4.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 138; Acts 8:26-40; Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Adult Bible Class will continue in the Gospel of John at chapter 7:37ff. What did Jesus say on the last day of the Jewish feast of tabernacles? What does this mean? How does it apply yet today? What did the people say of Jesus? Who is the Prophet? Cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Why did some people doubt Jesus was the Christ (Messiah)? Cf. Micah 5:2. How did God fulfill this passage in Jesus’ birth? Cf. Luke 2:1ff. Did the officers arrest Jesus for His claims? Why? What did they tell the chief priests and Pharisees? How did the chief priests and Pharisees respond? What did Nicodemus say? How did they respond? What argument did the chief priests and scribes use to justify their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah and Savior? How were they mistaken? What excuses do people make yet today?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dick Stueland, who is recovering from knee surgery; for Sam Rusch, who has had repeated stays in the hospital; and for the mother of Dick Rusch – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Nigeria, Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

What is your walk with the Lord Jesus like? Are you more like Martha or more like Mary?

Both Mary and Martha loved the Lord Jesus. Martha received Jesus into her home and served Him. Mary was there, too, to see and hear her Savior. But, as the Scriptures reveal, there was a difference between the two. And these things were recorded for us that we might learn the will of our God and Savior for each of us.

As we read, Martha received Jesus into her house and was busy with much serving. She wanted to make sure everything was just right and that Jesus was treated with the utmost honor. She was much concerned with pleasing the Lord Jesus by her work and service.

Her sister Mary, on the other hand, sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. Instead of seeking to serve Jesus and prove her love and devotion by hard work and service, she let Jesus serve her and teach her the saving truths of God’s Word.

Mary’s behavior was troubling to Martha – so much so that she even scolded Jesus for not asking Mary get up and help with the work of serving.

Who are you like? Are you like Martha? Do you become so busy with serving Jesus and doing good that you don’t have time to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His teaching? Are you sometimes even upset that no one is helping you with all the work you’ve taken on to do? Or, are you like Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His Word?

Notice Jesus’ response to Martha: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Mary took the time to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His Word and teaching. She learned of the salvation God was providing for her through Christ Jesus. That was the one thing needful for Mary and for Martha and is still needful for you and for me – to sit humbly at Jesus’ feet and hear His life-giving Word, which offers and gives blessings which can never be taken away from us (cf. 2 Timothy 3:14-17).

O crucified and risen Lord Jesus, grant that we not neglect that one thing needful but take the time to sit at Your feet and hear and learn Your life-giving Word. For in Your Word, we learn of You and the salvation You won for us by Your innocent sufferings and death for us upon the cross. Amen.

[Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible]

THE GOOD MAN OF THE HOUSE AND THE WISE AND UNWISE SERVANTS

Read Matthew 24:42-51

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Jesus Christ could return to judge the living and the dead at any time. He could come today, next week, next year or in the next century. We do not know the day or the hour of Jesus’ return, but we are to be watching and ready for that Day! Jesus told two parables to warn against being unwatchful and unprepared.

If a man knew at what time a thief was coming, he would have been ready and watching; he would not have allowed his home to be broken into. So also, a Christian who knows that his Lord could return at any time will not permit that Day to come upon him like an unexpected thief. He will be ready and watching, having faith in Christ Jesus his Savior and, as a fruit of that faith, living his life for his Lord. Those trusting in Christ for salvation will not be condemned at His return; they will inherit the eternal blessings of His heavenly kingdom.

As servants of Christ – especially those placed over God’s household to feed and nourish their fellow-believers with the Word of God – we are to be faithful in our service to the Lord Jesus Christ. If, as a fruit of saving faith in Jesus Christ, we are found faithfully serving our Lord when He returns on the Last Day, we shall be graciously rewarded. But if we are like the evil servant who says in his heart, “My lord delayeth his coming,” and if we continue in sin, our Lord will return in a day and hour when we are not expecting Him. Then we will have our “portion with the hypocrites” where “there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” for one cannot have true faith in Christ and also continue to live willfully in sin.

O Christ, who diedst and yet dost live, to me impart Thy merit; my pardon seal, my sins forgive, and cleanse me by Thy Spirit. Beneath Thy cross I view the day when heav’n and earth shall pass away, and thus prepare to meet Thee. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #604, Verse 4)

“Comforted by an Adulteress”

John 8:1-11

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

First of all, we have to acknowledge that some modern Bible translations, following the more liberal textual critics, omit this text (along with verse 53 of the previous chapter) altogether or include it with a note saying that the “best Greek manuscripts” omit it or place it in a different location in the Gospel. Yet, there is strong evidence that it truly is God’s inspired Word in spite of the fact that a number of ancient Greek manuscripts do not include it here or leave a blank space where it belongs.

This passage, often called the Pericope De Adultera (the Adultery Reading), is included in numerous Greek uncials such as D, G, H, K, M, U and Gamma. Among the minuscule or cursive manuscripts it is in 28, 700, 892, 1009, 1010, 1071, 1079, 1195, 1216, 1344, 1365, 1546, 1646, 2148 and 2174. Many Greek manuscripts contain the passage. It also is in early translations such as the Bohairic Coptic Version, the Syriac Palestinian Version and the Ethiopic Version, all of which date from the second to the sixth centuries. It is clearly the reading of the majority of the Old Latin manuscripts and Jerome’s Latin Vulgate. The passage has patristic support: Didascalia (third century), Ambrosiaster (fourth century), Ambrose (fourth century), the Apostolic Constitutions (which are the largest liturgical collections of writings from Antioch Syria in about 380 AD), Jerome (420 AD), and Augustine (430 AD).

The question then arises as to why this passage was ever omitted from a number of ancient manuscripts. A likely answer is found in church history. Augustine makes an astounding statement concerning the authenticity of the passage. After citing the forgiving phrase of Christ, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more,” he wrote:

“This proceeding, however, shocks the minds of some weak believers, or rather unbelievers and enemies of the Christian faith: inasmuch that, after (I suppose) of its giving their wives impunity of sinning, they struck out from their copies of the Gospel this that our Lord did in pardoning the woman taken in adultery: as if He granted leave of sinning, Who said, Go and sin no more!”

Augustine implied that some fearful scribes who thought the inclusion of this passage might lead to adultery omitted this passage. This could also explain why some manuscripts which omit this section leave a space where it belongs and why some attach it to the end of the Gospel.

Most certainly it could also be argued that these verses – included in Bibles for centuries and read and preached in churches around the world – have been used by the Holy Spirit to convict sinners and to comfort them with the grace and forgiveness offered us for the sake of the shed blood of Christ Jesus. I myself draw comfort from the fact that Jesus does not condemn me but forgives me and accepts me. He doesn’t offer a license to sin, but tells me that I, in response to His forgiveness, should go and sin no more.

Fully convinced that these verses are the inspired and unerring Word of God and belong here in the Gospel (the attempt of the Pharisees to trap Jesus fit with the surrounding context), I offer the following insights for your consideration.

When Jesus returned to the temple early in the morning (after spending the night on the Mount of Olives), the people gathered around Him and He was teaching them. To discredit Jesus’ teaching and to trap Him, the Jewish scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus and set her before Him, saying they had caught her in the very act of committing adultery. Why the man was not brought, or how they knew just where to find her, we are not told.

Their challenge to Jesus came in the words: “Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” The Bible also tells us: “This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him.”

It was, of course, a trap. If Jesus said to release her, he would have been contradicting the Law of Moses – the Scriptures and God Himself (Leviticus 20:10). If He commanded her to be stoned to death, He could be accused before the Roman governor because the Jews were not permitted to carry out capital punishments (cf. John 18:31).

Jesus’ response was most remarkable: “But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.”

What Jesus wrote on the ground, the Bible doesn’t say. Some have speculated that He wrote the commandments in the dirt. Others suggest that he may have revealed the private sins of the woman’s accusers. The point is that the only one left with the woman, who had the just right to condemn her, was Jesus. He alone had kept all of God’s commandments, and He alone was perfect and without sin.

Certainly, we as sinful people can relate to this woman’s accusers. We are so often quick to judge and condemn others for their disobedience and sin. But when we hear the Law of God, we realize, too, that we are just as guilty. We deserve to be judged and condemned by the almighty and holy God who created us.

“If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand?” (Psalm 130:3).

When I was a sheriff’s deputy and had to help care for prisoners in the jail who were there because of numerous crimes, I realized that in God’s court I was no better. God judges not only our outward acts but our words and the thoughts and intents of our hearts. The Bible plainly tells us that “the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21). It says that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Had I been standing there before this sinful woman, I could not have picked up a stone to throw at her. I too am a sinner and guilty before God. The older I have gotten, the more apparent this truth has become to me. My conscience convicts me. When I see another judged and condemned for some sin, I have to admit, “There go I but for the grace of God.”

The real comfort of this pericope – this cut-out from Scripture – is what happened next. “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

Was the woman guilty of sinning against God’s commandments? Yes, without a doubt! She was caught in the very act. Could Jesus have justly condemned her and picked up the stones? Yes, without a doubt! He was and is the holy and sinless Son of God and the Judge of all the earth. Did Jesus condemn this sinful woman caught in the very act of committing a grave sin, a capital crime in Old testament Israel? No, He did not! Instead, Jesus forgave her, pardoned her and released her. He said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

How could He do it? How could the holy and just Son of God pardon and forgive this sinful woman? God’s Word tells us: “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” … because … “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 1:9; 2:2). Jesus suffered and died on the cross and paid in full the just punishment for this woman’s sins. God’s justice was satisfied and Jesus showed to this woman mercy and forgiveness!

The same is true for you and me. Though guilty of wickedness and sin, Jesus satisfied God’s just wrath against us. He has every right to condemn us but He, instead, reaches out to us with mercy and forgiveness. Though the devil and all the world might accuse us, Jesus tells us – no matter how great our sins have been – “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

“If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared” (Psalm 130:3,4).

Jesus does not condemn us. He died on the cross for all our sins – even the sins of all the world – and rose again that He might acquit us, forgive us and give us a place in His everlasting kingdom.

But why did Jesus say to this woman: “Go, and sin no more”? Was He adding terms and conditions? If this woman sinned again, would her forgiveness and salvation be lost?

And what about you and me? We confess our sins and receive God’s absolution in Word and Sacrament every Sunday. We are assured of God’s mercy and pardon. If we fall again, is all lost?

Jesus’ pardon and forgiveness to this woman was not conditional. He did not say, “I won’t condemn you if you go and sin no more.” He fully and freely forgave her all her sin. But He urged her, as a response to His mercy, to go and refrain from sin and disobedience to God. He gave her no license to keep on committing adultery or to live in an adulterous relationship. He called upon her, as a fruit of His mercy and pardon, to amend her sinful ways and live for Him in obedience to God’s Word. If she stumbled, if she fell, Jesus’ mercy was not gone. It was still there for her to cling to and depend upon. Jesus was still her Savior!

If we sin again, if we fall – and we all do – Jesus is still there for us too, with His mercy and grace. He doesn’t pardon us so that we can live as we please and indulge in our sinful desires, for the wages of sin is still death (Romans 6:23). But He continues to call us to faith in Him and His mercy. For the sake of His innocent sufferings and death in our stead, He continues to offer us His pardon and forgiveness. He continues to offer us life in His name.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness … My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 1:8-9; 2:1-2).

How comforting this account of the adulterous woman is to us sinners! It assures us that though we too are guilty and worthy of death and hell, Jesus does not condemn us. He forgives us and accepts us and gives us life. Jesus says to us sinners who are accused by our own consciences, the devil and the world: “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

May God’s Spirit grant you comfort in Jesus’ words. Amen.

The Augsburg Confession

Article III: Of the Son of God.

Also they teach that the Word, that is, the Son of God, did assume the human nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, so that there are two natures, the divine and the human, inseparably enjoined in one Person, one Christ, true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, that He might reconcile the Father unto us, and be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of men.

He also descended into hell, and truly rose again the third day; afterward He ascended into heaven that He might sit on the right hand of the Father, and forever reign and have dominion over all creatures, and sanctify them that believe in Him, by sending the Holy Ghost into their hearts, to rule, comfort, and quicken them, and to defend them against the devil and the power of sin.

The same Christ shall openly come again to judge the quick and the dead, etc., according to the Apostles’ Creed.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 27; Acts 8:1-25; Luke 10:38-42. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Adult Bible Class will continue in the Gospel of John at chapter 7:19ff. Who was seeking to kill Jesus? Cf. John 5:18. Why? What law were they breaking by seeking to kill Jesus? Did the Jews regard it a sin if one was circumcised on the Sabbath? What had Jesus done on the Sabbath (cf. Chapter 5)? Was this right or wrong? Why? Do people today ever get so focused on one commandment that they neglect other weightier commandments? How? Do the words of Hosea 6:6-7 have application here? Did the people think they knew Jesus’ origins? What did they believe about Christ? How were they mistaken in their understanding? What did Jesus say of His origins? Did the Jews recognize Jesus for who He is? Did they know the Father who sent Him? Cf. John 14:6. Can one know God if he doesn’t know Jesus? Why did many of the people believe on Jesus? What did they say? Why were the Jews unable to arrest Jesus at this time? What did Jesus say to His enemies? What did He mean? Of what was He warning His hearers? What did Jesus say on the last day of the Jewish feast of tabernacles? What does this mean? How does it apply yet today?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dick Stueland, who is recovering from knee surgery; for Sam Rusch, who is back in the hospital; and for the mother of Dick Rusch – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Nigeria, Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

The Congregational Evening Bible Study is set for tonight at 7 p.m. Some will be meeting earlier – about 6:20 – for a sandwich and all are invited to join in that as well.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

The Book of Acts, in chapters six and seven, tells the story of the first New Testament Christian martyr to follow in the steps of the Lord Jesus and to be murdered for his witness to the truth. In fact the English word “martyr” comes from the Greek word “martus,” which means to bear witness or testify. Stephen testified to the truth about Jesus and about his own hearers and was killed at the hands of the Jewish council by stoning.

In his defense before the council, Stephen summarized God’s gracious dealings with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants, the children of Israel. From the call of Abraham down through the times of Moses, David and the prophets, God sought to deal with His people in grace and mercy for the sake of the promised Messiah and Savior, but again and again God’s people rejected God’s grace and mercy and rebelled against Him. They disobeyed God’s commandments, doubted God’s love and mercy and even persecuted and killed God’s messengers who pointed ahead to the Messiah.

Stephen’s point to his hearers was that they were doing the same thing as their unbelieving fathers. They were being stubborn and stiff-necked. Instead of listening to the witness of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God which testified to the truth that Jesus was and is the promised Messiah and Savior – the Just One, without sin, who bore upon the tree of the cross the sins of the whole world – they resisted the Spirit’s testimony to the truth, betrayed and crucified God’s own Son. They placed their hope in the law of Moses, given through the dispensation of angels, but they did not keep it. And as their fathers had done to the prophets of old who testified of the coming Savior, they killed Stephen for his witness to the truth.

The question, of course, for each of us to consider is whether we are resisting the Holy Spirit’s witness to the truth and rejecting God’s grace and mercy in Christ Jesus. Stephen prayed that God would not hold his persecutors’ sin against them but continue to reach out to them in mercy, but sooner or later our time to partake of God’s grace and mercy in Messiah Jesus will run out. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Don’t reject God’s grace but believe on the Lord Jesus Christ! In Him, we have God’s grace and mercy and life everlasting!

Thank You, dear heavenly Father, for Your gracious dealings with me for the sake of the Just and Holy One and His innocent sufferings and death in my stead. Grant that I not reject Your grace and forgiveness but hold fast to Jesus, my only Lord and Savior. Amen.

[Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible]

THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS

Read Luke 16:19-31

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

We should note first of all that Jesus’ illustration of the rich man and Lazarus may be much more than a parable, for it is told by Jesus as if it is a true and factual account. Whether an actual historical event or a parable, we can still learn much from Jesus’ telling of it.

The rich man is not identified by name; but the poor beggar’s name was Lazarus, which means “God is help.” Even though Lazarus was poor and full of sores, we know that he was a true believer in God, as his name indicates, because he was taken to heaven when he died. Even though the rich man was greatly blessed by God in material things, he did not believe or listen to the Word of God (Moses and the Prophets). This can be seen by the fact that there were no fruits of faith in his life in regard to poor Lazarus, who was laid at his gate, and by the fact that his soul went to hell when he died.

In addition to teaching that one’s soul goes either to heaven or to hell when he dies, Jesus warns against living life solely for the enjoyment of the good things of this world. One’s first concern should be to heed the Word of God and repent, turning away from sin and the selfish use of this world’s goods to faith in Christ, who died to redeem us from sin and death. As a fruit of true repentance, we will then put to death our selfish and sinful desires and use the goods of this world to help those in need. We will not close our hearts to the poor and needy, but will do all we can to help them.

One more important truth should also be learned. If one does not heed the Word of God during his lifetime, there is no other hope for repentance; for the Holy Ghost works through the Law to convince us of our sin and the punishment we deserve and through the Gospel to reveal our Savior and to assure us of eternal salvation through faith in Him. If one, during his lifetime, refuses to turn from his sins to Christ Jesus, his Savior, there will be no more opportunity for repentance. His torment in hell will be forever! But when one, by the grace of God, heeds the Word and repents, trusting in Christ for forgiveness and life, his soul, at the time of death, will be transported by angels to the bosom of Abraham.

O Jesus, who my debt didst pay and for my sin wast smitten, within the Book of Life, oh, may my name be also written! I will not doubt; I trust in Thee, from Satan Thou hast made me free and from all condemnation. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn 611, Verse 5)

“Jesus’ Doctrine”

John 7:1-24

1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. 2 Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. 4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. 5 For neither did his brethren believe in him. 6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. 9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. 10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? 12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. 13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews. 14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? 20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. 23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Though they later came to faith in Christ Jesus, His own brothers, at this point in His ministry, did not believe in Him. They did not trust that Jesus was God the Son in human flesh and the Savior of the world.

In fact, when the feast of Tabernacles was at hand – a high feast of the Jews at which all the males were required to appear before the LORD (cf. Exodus 23:14-17; Leviticus 23:39-43) – Jesus’ brothers even mocked Him, telling Him to go to Jerusalem and show Himself to the world. They questioned Jesus’ miracles, and they did not believe His Word.

The Bible tells us that Jesus’ brothers told Him: “Depart hence, and go into Judæa, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.”

We know from the Scriptures that Jesus did not do as His brothers said because the Jews were trying to kill Him. At a previous feast, Jesus had at the pool of Siloam healed a man who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years; but Jesus did this miracle on the Sabbath Day, and the Jews sought to kill Him for breaking their Sabbath laws and for claiming to be the Son of God (cf. John 5:1ff.).

As Jesus said, His time had not yet come. Though He had come into this world to suffer and die for the sins of the world, His teaching ministry was not yet complete and God’s time for His Son to suffer and die on the cross for the sins of the world was to come at another feast, later in Jesus’ ministry.

Though Jesus’ time to die and make atonement for the sins of the world had not yet come, the time for Jesus’ brothers to repent of their sin and trust in Jesus was at hand. Their time, as Jesus said, was “always ready.”

And so it is with us also. Our time is ready. Now is the time to repent of our sin and rebellion against the LORD our Maker and to put our trust in Christ Jesus, God the Son.

The Scriptures say, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Though Jesus’ brothers basically told Him, “If you really do the works we hear you are doing, go show yourself to the world,” notice what Jesus said when He later did go to the feast and was teaching in the temple to crowds who were questioning whether or not Jesus could be the promised Messiah. Jesus said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. ”

Was Jesus seeking to advance His own popularity? Was He seeking His own glory? Was the doctrine – the teaching – He was proclaiming His own invention and a lie, or was it of God the Father?

The one who wishes to do God’s will, Jesus said, will know and recognize that Jesus’ teaching is the teaching and doctrine of God the Father who sent Him. This remains true today as well. Those who seek to do the will of God and search the Scriptures will know and recognize that Jesus’ doctrine is the doctrine and teaching of God. It’s not a new teaching. Rather it is the same message God has revealed in His Word down through the ages – Jesus was and is the fulfillment of that Word!

The one who speaks his own doctrine – his own ideas and beliefs – seeks his own glory, Jesus said. And how true this remains in our day! Teacher after teacher has come up with some new doctrine, some new vision, but they are not in agreement with the message of God’s Word announced and proclaimed from the very beginning. The “new revelations” are not in agreement with what God has revealed and preserved for us in the Scriptures. And the new teachers do not seek God’s glory and honor. Rather they seek to gain a following for themselves.

We can apply Jesus’ words yet today to churches and church bodies. Those who tout themselves and concern themselves with numbers and fancy buildings probably won’t be seeking to build Christ’s kingdom by preaching His pure and unadulterated Word and doctrine. Rather, they preach themselves and their programs and activities and seek to build up their own little kingdoms here in this world.

How different this is than the preaching and teaching of Jesus! He did not seek His own glory, but the glory of God the Father who had sent Him. He did not seek to gather a large following for Himself here in this world. Rather, He unreservedly proclaimed the law of God and the sinfulness of man that He might call upon all to repent and look to His atoning sacrifice for pardon and life eternal. His concern was not with an earthly kingdom and following, but to do His Father’s will and save souls for an eternal, heavenly kingdom!

Should not this truth say something to us today about church-growth programs, building programs and mission work? Who are we to proclaim as the Help and Savior of the world? Ourselves? Or Jesus Christ and Him crucified? Those who seek to build up “their own” church and “their own” group will miss Jesus’ point even if they answer with the right words, but those who will to do God’s will will know!

As many times happens in churches and denominations where people hold legalistically to one point but ignore other even more important articles of the faith, so the Jews held legalistically to the prohibitions against working on the Sabbath and were ready to condemn Jesus for healing a man on their day of rest. Jesus pointed out that, to obey the law of Moses requiring circumcision to be performed on the eighth day after birth, they circumcised on the Sabbath (cf. Genesis 17:9-14). How much better is what Jesus did! He made a man entirely whole on the Sabbath! Instead of believing all of the Word of God and recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior who would suffer and die and make atonement for the sins of all mankind, they were ready to kill Him for doing good – for obeying God’s commandments – on the Sabbath.

And do we still do so today? Sad to say, we do. I remember discussions with one group of Lutherans which so emphasized the Scripture’s teaching that a minister of the Gospel should be supported by his hearers that they would not allow a small congregation to call a minister to preach the Gospel among them if they could not pay a full-time salary. So, for the sake of obeying the principle of hearers supporting their ministers, they prevented believers who desired to have a minister and hear God’s Word from obeying what the Scriptures elsewhere command.

And, of course, the list of even more grave offenses could go on and on if we spoke of all the times the Word of God and faithful preachers were rejected because someone took offense at some infraction against traditions or practices which are not even required by Scripture.

The point of it all is that Jesus Christ, God’s only-begotten Son, came into this world to do the will of His Father, proclaim the doctrine of God His Father, and to accomplish the salvation promised from the very beginning by God the Father. If we seek the will of God, by the grace of God we will see from the Scriptures that Jesus is God the Son and the Savior of the world. We will see that His doctrine is that of the Father. And will see that Jesus was not seeking His own glory and an earthly kingdom but was and still is seeking the glory of God the Father. He seeks to rescue lost and condemned sinners from everlasting condemnation and to bring them into a heavenly and eternal kingdom made up of those who have had their sins washed away in the blood of Christ and who, as a result, seek the glory of their heavenly Father. He went to the cross and suffered and died for the sins of the world to bring glory to His Father, and He was raised up to the glory of God the Father. He also calls us to trust in Him and receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life He won for us, and on the Last Day He will raise us up from the grave that we might forever give thanks and praise to the Father for graciously granting us salvation in the Son.

Jesus will one day soon return in glory and show Himself to the world as the Son of God and the Judge of all the earth, but His time is not yet. He graciously bears with this wicked world a little longer that He might call yet more sinners to repentance and faith in His shed blood (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). But soon He will come!

Until He does so, our time is “always ready” to repent of our sin and look to Him and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for our eternal salvation! That is the will and doctrine of God the Father. And, when we believe on Jesus, it will be to the glory of God the Father who so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son! Amen.

“Psalm 57”

1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. 3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah. 7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. 10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. 11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.

The Augsburg Confession

Of God

Our Churches, with common consent, do teach that the decree of the Council of Nicaea concerning the Unity of the Divine Essence and concerning the Three Persons, is true and to be believed without any doubting; that is to say, there is one Divine Essence which is called and which is God: eternal, without body, without parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, the Maker and Preserver of all things, visible and invisible; and yet there are three Persons, of the same essence and power, who also are co-eternal, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. And the term “person” they use as the Fathers have used it, to signify, not a part or quality in another, but that which subsists of itself.

They condemn all heresies which have sprung up against this article, as the Manichaeans, who assumed two principles, one Good and the other Evil- also the Valentinians, Arians, Eunomians, Mohammedans, and all such. They condemn also the Samosatenes, old and new, who, contending that there is but one Person, sophistically and impiously argue that the Word and the Holy Ghost are not distinct Persons, but that “Word” signifies a spoken word, and “Spirit” signifies motion created in things.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 66; Acts 6:1-7; Galatians 6:1-18; Luke 10:1-20. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Adult Bible Class will continue in the Gospel of John at chapter 7:1ff. Which Jewish feast was at hand? What did Jesus’ brothers tell Him to do? Why? Did they yet believe? How did Jesus respond? What does this mean? Why did the world hate Jesus? Does the world still hate Jesus? Why? Why does the world hate true believers? Cf. Matthew 5:10ff. If the world does not hate a church or group of believers, what might that say of their testimony to the truth of God’s Word? Should churches seek to be loved by the world or to be faithful to Christ and His Word? Is it possible to do both at the same time? Cf. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Did Jesus go to the feast? What were the people saying of Him? Is this any different than what people say of Him yet today? How did Jesus answer their objections to His teaching? Is this true for us yet today? How? Why did some people argue that Jesus could not be the Christ? Did they really know from where Jesus came? Who did Jesus say had sent Him? Did His Jewish audience know Him? Why not? Were those who wished to arrest Jesus able to do so? Why? Why did some believe Jesus was the Messiah? How is their argument still true?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dick Stueland who is recovering from knee surgery, and for the mother of Dick Rusch – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Nigeria, Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

The Rite of Confirmation is planned for our July 4 service. Josie Jackson will be confirmed. A pot-luck dinner will be held following the service in honor of this special day in Josie’s walk with her Savior.

The Congregational Evening Bible Study for July is set at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 14.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

Psalm 66:8-9: “O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.”

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

THE UNJUST STEWARD

Read Luke 16:1-13

1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. 2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. 3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. 4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. 5 So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? 6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. 8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. 9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

With this parable, Jesus instructs us concerning the use of the money and earthly goods which are entrusted to us by God. While Jesus does not commend the wickedness of the unjust steward, He does hold up the wisdom of this unjust steward as an example for us. When this unjust steward saw that he would lose his position as steward or manager of his lord’s goods, he used the short time he had left as steward to reduce the bills of his lord’s debtors so that they would show kindness and care for him when he was no longer steward. In this way, the unjust steward wisely used the money and goods entrusted to his care to provide for his future well-being.

During our earthly lives, God also entrusts us with money and goods to use wisely for Him. Like the unjust steward, we ought to consider our eternal future and use this money and these goods in a way which looks ahead to that day when our earthly life comes to an end and we stand before God’s judgment. Certainly we cannot buy our way into heaven with the unrighteous mammon of this world; but since God freely gives us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life in heaven for Jesus’ sake, we should use the unrighteous mammon entrusted to us to make ready for everlasting life in heaven. Jesus says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).

As Christians, we should use the money and goods entrusted to us in this world to advance God’s kingdom of grace, to spread the Gospel of forgiveness and life eternal in Jesus Christ. Then our treasure will be in heaven, where we also will be received by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Lord of Glory, who hast bought us with Thy life-blood as the price, never grudging for the lost ones that tremendous sacrifice, give us faith to trust Thee boldly, hope, to stay our souls on Thee; but, oh! best of all Thy graces, give us Thine own charity. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #442, Verse 5)

“Jesus, the Bread from Heaven” cont’d

Scripture Reading – John 6:60-71

60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Jesus had told His hearers (John 6:53-58): “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.”

Jesus’ words were hard for His hearers to understand and accept. How could Jesus give them His body and blood to eat and drink? What did Jesus mean by these words? How could partaking of Jesus give eternal life? How could Jesus say those who didn’t partake of Him had no life?

All these things were above and beyond the understanding of Jesus’ hearers. It’s not that they are so difficult to understand. Rather, they are spiritually discerned and sinful human beings cannot understand apart from the gracious enlightening of the Holy Spirit. It was as the Bible teaches, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Thus, the people asked, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (John 6:52). They did not understand who Jesus was or that He was about to go to the cross to suffer and die for the sins of the world. They did not know and believe that Jesus was God in the flesh and would offer Himself up for sin and then rise again from death in victory. They did not understand that Jesus was inviting them to partake of His body given into death for them and His blood shed for the remission of their sins through faith in His sufferings, death and resurrection on their behalf. Without partaking by faith in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, they could have no life in them. They remained dead in their sins and lost to God and to His everlasting kingdom! But all this seemed foolishness to them; they didn’t understand and believe. They didn’t partake of Jesus’ body and blood given and shed for them, but went away in unbelief and were dead in their sins.

When the Word of God is preached today, the result is many times the same.

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:13-14).

When we preach and proclaim that all are sinners and that only in Messiah Jesus is there salvation, people are offended and turn away. They do not see and recognize their own utter sinfulness in God’s eyes. Nor do they understand that the only way for sinners to be saved is to partake by faith of Christ Jesus, that Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world by His innocent sufferings and death on the cross. And so, rather than acknowledge their own sinfulness and shortcomings, people turn away from their only Savior and refuse to partake of Jesus and His sacrifice for the sins of the world.

What was true when Jesus spoke to the Jews in His day remains true yet today: “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.”

Even a good number of Jesus’ own disciples were offended at Jesus’ words. They were not ready to acknowledge their own sins and failures before God. Nor did they believe that Jesus was God the Son in human flesh come into this world to go to the cross and redeem mankind. The preaching of the cross and partaking of Jesus, their sacrificial Lamb, by faith was a stumbling block to the Jews – it wasn’t the kind of Messiah for whom they looked.

And with the apostle Paul, true followers of Jesus still proclaim “Christ crucified” today, though this preaching remains to the Jews, a stumbling block, and to the rest of the world, foolishness (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23). They do not take hold of the truth because they can’t apart from God’s Spirit. And if people can’t understand and believe the works Jesus did here in this world, how could they begin to understand His glorious workings in heaven, at the right hand of God the Father?

Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.”

Jesus’ words – His teaching and doctrine – were spirit-breathed. They were God’s own words and His divine wisdom. They were and still are spiritually discerned. With our own flesh and human understanding, we cannot begin to grasp the divine truth proclaimed by the Lord Jesus. We cannot come to Jesus and trust in Him for salvation unless God the Father graciously grants this to us. In our spiritual darkness, we ask, “How can Jesus give us His body and blood? How can we partake of Him? How can eating of His flesh and drinking of His blood by faith give us eternal life?”

Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life….” It is the Spirit of God who, through the Word of God, reveals our utter sinfulness and how far short we have come of God’s perfect righteousness. And, it is the Spirit of God who, through the Word of God, assures us that Christ Jesus fulfilled the righteous demands of God’s law for us and then went to the cross and suffered and died for our sins and the sins of the whole world and rose again on the third day. The Spirit of God reveals to us Jesus, our Messiah and Savior, and moves us to partake of His sacrifice through faith – trusting that, because He gave His body into death for us and shed His blood for the remission of our sins, our sins are indeed paid for in full and forgiven. The Spirit of God assures us that in Christ Jesus we have forgiveness for all our sins and life everlasting. It is the Spirit of God, working through the Word, who points us to Jesus and says, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Many of Jesus’ disciples, because they didn’t grasp His words and the truth of God, turned back and quit following Jesus. Today, many, because they don’t grasp Jesus’ Word and the true doctrine of God, turn back and quit following Jesus. Even “churches” and denominations turn aside from the truth of God’s Word and quit proclaiming it because they do not understand and believe. Since the truth of God’s Word is offensive to them, they’d rather not hear it proclaimed.

What about you? Will you also turn back from following Jesus? His Word and His teaching are not always easy for us to accept and embrace. His Word reveals just how sinful we are, and it tells us that our ways are not God’s ways.

Simon Peter answered Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus still has the words of eternal life! His Word reaches out to us with the good news of God’s gift from heaven, the only-begotten Son who went to the cross to bear the just punishment for the sins of the world. Jesus calls us to partake of Him by faith – of His body given into death for us and of His blood shed for the remission of all our sins. He promises us that when we partake of Him by faith, we will not be condemned along with the wicked world in which we live but have everlasting life in His heavenly kingdom.

It is as the Scriptures declare: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36).

God grant to you His Holy Spirit and enlighten your eyes to the truth of His Word that you might not turn away from following Christ Jesus, but humbly acknowledge your sinfulness and partake of Him and His sacrifice for sin by faith that you might also partake of the forgiveness and life eternal Christ Jesus won for you.

O merciful Father, grant us faith in Messiah Jesus, the Son. Grant that we eat His flesh and drink His blood through faith, trusting in His atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. In Jesus’ holy and precious name. Amen.

The Brief Statement

of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod as adopted in 1932

(Editor’s Note: This remains the official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod yet today, though in practice, many have departed from it.)

Of the Symbols of the Lutheran Church

45. We accept as our confessions all the symbols contained in the Book of Concord of the year 1580. The symbols of the Lutheran Church are not a rule of faith beyond, and supplementary to, Scripture, but a confession of the doctrines of Scripture over against those who deny these doctrines.

46. Since the Christian Church cannot make doctrines, but can and should simply profess the doctrine revealed in Holy Scripture, the doctrinal decisions of the symbols are binding upon the conscience not because our Church has made them nor because they are the outcome of doctrinal controversies, but only because they are the doctrinal decisions of Holy Scripture itself.

47. Those desiring to be admitted into the public ministry of the Lutheran Church pledge themselves to teach according to the symbols not “in so far as,” but “because,” the symbols agree with Scripture. He who is unable to accept as Scriptural the doctrine set forth in the Lutheran symbols and their rejection of the corresponding errors must not be admitted into the ministry of the Lutheran Church.

48. The confessional obligation covers all doctrines, not only those that are treated ex professor but also those that are merely introduced in support of other doctrines.

The obligation does not extend to historical statements, “purely exegetical questions,” and other matters not belonging to the doctrinal content of the symbols. All doctrines of the symbols are based on clear statements of Scripture.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 16; Acts 5:17-42; Luke 9:51-62. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Adult Bible Class will continue in the Gospel of John at chapter 7:1ff. Which Jewish feast was at hand? What did Jesus’ brothers tell Him to do? Why? Did they yet believe? How did Jesus respond? What does this mean? Why did the world hate Jesus? Does the world still hate Jesus? Why? Why does the world hate true believers? Cf. Matthew 5:10ff. If the world does not hate a church or group of believers, what might that say of their testimony to the truth of God’s Word? Should churches seek to be loved by the world or to be faithful to Christ and His Word? Is it possible to do both at the same time? Cf. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Did Jesus go to the feast? What were the people saying of Him? Is this any different than what people say of Him yet today? How did Jesus answer their objections to His teaching? Is this true for us yet today? How?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dick Stueland who is recovering from knee surgery, and for the mother of Dick Rusch – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Nigeria, Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

The Rite of Confirmation is planned for our July 4 service. Josie Jackson will be confirmed. A pot-luck dinner will be held following the service in honor of this special day in Josie’s walk with her Savior.

The Congregational Evening Bible Study for July is set at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 14.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

Psalm 16:11: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy;

at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

THE LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD

Read Matthew 20:1-16

1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. 8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, 12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

The disciples of Jesus saw the rich young man go away sadly because he was unwilling to give up his riches and follow Jesus, and they had heard Jesus’ words about how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Peter then asked Jesus what he and the other disciples would receive since they had left all to follow Him. The last verses of Matthew, chapter 19, record Jesus’ answer. Here, Jesus describes the gracious reward which will be given to all who deny themselves and follow Him; but He also adds the words: “Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard illustrates these words of Jesus and warns against the assumption that those who work harder, longer, or give up more for Christ deserve a greater reward. In this parable, even those who were hired and began working in the vineyard at the eleventh hour received the same wages as those who had toiled for the full day. The householder graciously paid them for a full day’s work.

God also rewards those who deny themselves and labor in His kingdom; but God’s rewards are rewards of His grace and are not earned or deserved. As sinners, we do not even deserve to be in His kingdom. It is only by God’s grace in Jesus Christ–because Christ died for our sins and rose again–that we are forgiven and brought into God’s kingdom. The rewards given for labor and sacrifice in God’s kingdom are also God’s gracious gifts for Christ’s sake. If we assume that we have earned a greater reward because of our hard work in the kingdom, we are in grave danger of losing, not only God’s gracious reward for our labor but also our place in God’s kingdom as well; for all of this is ours by grace alone! If one becomes a Christian late in life, works only a short time in God’s kingdom and receives a great reward, we should rejoice and praise God for His grace rather than grumble because we did not receive more.

O Father, God of Love, hear Thou my supplication; O Savior, Son of God, grant me Thy full salvation; and Thou, O Holy Ghost, be Thou my faithful Guide that I may serve Thee here and there with Thee abide. Amen. (TLH, Hymn #417, Verse 7)

“Jesus, the Bread from Heaven”

52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. 59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. John 6:52-59

How can one eat Jesus’ flesh and drink His blood? The Jews did not grasp Jesus’ meaning, nor do many in our day.

Jesus is not indicating that Christianity is some kind of cult in which the faithful literally eat human flesh and drink human blood. Even in the Lord’s Supper, participants do not chew Jesus’ flesh and drink and digest His blood. Rather, as they partake of the bread and wine, they partake of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for the sins of all the world – His body given into death for our sins and His blood shed for the remission of our sins.

Though certainly related to the Lord’s Supper, Jesus’ words in John 6:52-59 are not a specific reference to the supper Jesus later commanded His followers to observe in remembrance of Him and His innocent sufferings and death on their behalf. If He were referring specifically to partaking of the Lord’s Table, then those not able to partake of Christ’s Supper, regardless of the reason, could not be saved and have life in them.

Rather, Jesus refers to partaking of His body and blood by faith. The children of Israel ate of the manna from heaven and yet died. Those who partake of Jesus’ body and blood – of His sacrifice for the sins of the world – by faith in Him have eternal life and Jesus will raise them up on the Last Day!

Jesus says in no uncertain words, “For my flesh truly is food, and my blood truly is drink” (John 6:55 literally translated from the Greek).

The one who partakes of Jesus, the Bread of Life, by faith – trusting in Christ Jesus who gave His body into death for our sins and shed His blood upon the cross to make atonement for all our iniquities – has the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. As Jesus said, “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.”

People look to Jesus for earthly bread. They come to Him in hopes that He will provide them with all their earthly wants and desires. But few recognize that Jesus came into this world to provide us with heavenly food – with food which nourishes our souls unto life eternal.

Jesus came into this world to fulfill the righteous demands of God’s law for us. And He came to be our sacrifice for sin – to offer up Himself on the cross as the Passover Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He gave His body into death upon the cross in full payment for your sins and my sins. He shed His blood upon the cross as our sacrifice for sin and made atonement for us and all the world before the very throne of God.

The question is this: Do you partake of Him? Do you trust in His holy life and His innocent sufferings and death for the forgiveness of all your sins? If you do not partake of Jesus, you can have no life in you; you are eternally lost and condemned. If you do, through faith, partake of His flesh and blood, you have the forgiveness Jesus won for you when He gave His body into death and shed His holy and precious blood to make atonement for your sins and redeem you.

When we, in this way, eat His flesh and drink His blood, Jesus dwells in us – not in the sense that He enters our mouth and passes through our digestive system, but in the sense that He comes into us and gives us life in fellowship with the Father.

It’s really as simple as this: “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12). If we partake of Jesus’ holy life and His bitter sufferings and death for all sin by placing our trust and confidence in Him, we have life. Jesus Himself comes to us, dwells in us by His Spirit and gives us spiritual and eternal life in fellowship with the Father. If we do not partake of Jesus and His sacrifice – if we go it alone and on our own, so to speak – we remain dead in our sins and under the wrath and condemnation of God.

In John, chapter three, Jesus says it this way: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (15-18).

Those who believe and trust in Christ Jesus, the eternal Son of God made flesh, are saved and have life because Christ gave His body and shed His blood for the remission of all sins. They partake of His body and blood and of the benefits Jesus won for them through faith.

On the other hand, those who do not trust in Christ’s body and blood given and shed for all mankind are condemned. Why? Because they reject the only way of salvation God has provided for them – in His Son!

Even in the Lord’s Supper, those who partake of the bread and of the cup unworthily – without godly sorrow over sin and faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice – are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord because they have rejected and taken lightly Jesus’ giving of His body into death and shedding of His blood for the remission of our sins. They do not consider what He offers and gives them in the Supper when He says, “Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you” and “Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (1 Corinthians 11:23ff.; Matthew 26:26-28) They, in the words of Hebrews 10, have trodden under foot the Son of God, and have counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith they were sanctified, an unholy thing, and have done despite unto the Spirit of grace.

Jesus said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51).

Jesus gave His life for you. His body was nailed to the cross to suffer for your sins and mine. He shed His blood for you when He made atonement for the sins of the whole world. His flesh is food indeed and His blood is drink indeed to nourish our souls and to give to all who partake of Him through faith everlasting life!

God grant you to partake of Jesus, the Bread of Life, and to drink of His blood shed for the remission of your sins through faith in Him! Then, you will have life!

O merciful Father, grant us faith in Messiah Jesus, the Son. Grant that we eat His flesh and drink His blood through faith, trusting in His atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Amen.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The Brief Statement

of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod as adopted in 1932

(Editor’s Note: This remains the official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod yet today, though in practice, many have departed from it.)

Of Open Questions

44. Those questions in the domain of Christian doctrine may be termed open questions which Scripture answers either not at all or not clearly. Since neither an individual nor the Church as a whole is permitted to develop or augment the Christian doctrine, but are rather ordered and commanded by God to continue in the doctrine of the apostles, 2 Thess. 2:15; Acts 2:42, open questions must remain open questions. Not to be included in the number of open questions are the following: the doctrine of the Church and the Ministry, of Sunday, of Chiliasm, and of Antichrist, these doctrines being clearly defined in Scripture.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 3; Acts 4:32 – 5:16; Galatians 3:23 – 4:7; Luke 8:26-39. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday. Marty will preach on Galatians 3:23ff.

The Adult Bible Class will continue in the Gospel of John at chapter 6:60ff. Did the people understand Jesus’ words about eating His flesh and drinking His blood? What about Jesus’ own disciples? What about us? How did Jesus answer His disciples? Who is it who gives life? What does Jesus say of His words? How is this true yet today? Can anyone come to faith in Jesus or believe in Jesus’ name of his own will or decision? Can anyone understand the truths of Scripture by his own reason or understanding? Whose gift and working is it when one come to believe in Jesus? Why did a number of Jesus’ disciples turn back? Does this happen yet today? How? What did Jesus ask the twelve? How did Simon Peter answer Jesus? Is there any other that we can turn to for eternal life? What did Peter confess for all the disciples? Who had chosen Jesus’ disciples? What does Jesus say about one of them? Why?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dick Stueland who was scheduled to undergo knee surgery today, for Sam Rusch who was hospitalized, and for the mother of Dick Rusch – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Nigeria, Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

A Baby Shower will be held at the church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, for Sarah Hardigan, the daughter of Jim and Betty Mayer. The congregation is invited to attend.

A Pot-Luck Dinner is being planned following the service on Sunday, June 20, in honor of Father’s Day.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

Psalm 3:8: “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: Thy blessing is upon Thy people.”

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

THE NOBLEMAN AND THE POUNDS

Read Luke 19:11-27

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Jesus spoke this parable as He was nearing Jerusalem to suffer and die for the sins of the world. Many followers of Jesus expected Him to set up and establish an earthly kingdom when He came to Jerusalem, a kingdom in which He would reign over the nation of Israel. With this parable, Jesus sought to teach His disciples that His visible presence would be taken from them for a time and that they would be expected to carry on His work of seeking and saving the lost (v.10) until He returned.

Jesus is like the nobleman in this parable. After Jesus suffered and died upon the cross to redeem all people, He rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God the Father. From this position of power and glory He continues to build His kingdom. Before ascending to the Father, Jesus entrusted to His disciples the saving Gospel and the task of preaching this Gospel in all the world, to every creature (Mark 16:15-16).

Like the citizens who hated the nobleman, many of the Jews, who had the Old Testament Scriptures and should have come to faith in Jesus Christ and inherited the kingdom, rejected Jesus as their Christ and King. They rebelled against Him.

When Christ Jesus returns on the Last Day, He will examine His servants in regard to their faithfulness in carrying on His work of discipling the nations. Those who have faithfully used the Gospel and sought to gain others for Christ’s kingdom will receive a gracious reward in addition to the blessings of forgiveness and eternal life which they already possessed through faith in the Gospel. Those servants who knew their Lord’s command and will, but were unfaithful and disobedient, will lose even that which was entrusted to them. All who have rejected Christ and rebelled against Him will be condemned to eternal torment in hell on that Day!

This parable provides a very important lesson to us. We have the pure and saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the good news of forgiveness of sins and everlasting life for Jesus’ sake. It may be a temptation at times to keep it to ourselves, to wrap it up and hide it lest we lose it; but our Lord not only requires us to preserve it in its truth and purity, He requires us to faithfully use it to seek and save lost souls!

Raise up, O Lord the Holy Ghost, from this broad land a mighty host; their war cry, “We will seek the lost where Thou, O Christ, wilt come.” Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #506, Verse 6)

Except the Father Draw Him

“The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:41-51

Sometimes it happens that people know all about Jesus but do not know Him.

This was the case with the Jews from Galilee who had seen many of Jesus’ mighty miracles and had heard His preaching. They came to Jesus because He had provided food for the multitudes in the feeding of the 5,000, but they did not understand or believe Jesus when He told them, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.”

In fact, they murmured against Him, saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?”

Sad to say, the same is true today. Though it’s hard to think one could be too familiar with the facts about Jesus to know Him, it happens all the time. From little on, people are taught that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem and that He died on the cross and rose again, but somehow those great truths are not translated into a true knowledge of Jesus and the great sacrifice He offered for our sins and the sins of the whole world.

Thus people go through their whole lives knowing about Jesus, but not knowing and trusting Him for the forgiveness of all their sins and eternal life. Often, they are content to know only the basic facts and never really take the time to read and study God’s Word and come to know and trust in Jesus.

Why is this? Why is it that the Jews of Jesus’ day who saw His mighty miracles and were able to see Jesus with their own eyes and hear Him with their ears never really did see, hear and believe?

Why is it that people today – even people who have attended church services all their lives – can recite the facts about Jesus but yet do not know Him and trust in Him?

Jesus tells us why: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.”

The truth is that no one can come to Jesus unless God the Father draws him, and the one whom the Father draws to the Son will be kept and preserved in faith and raised up by Jesus on the Last Day.

Jesus quotes from the Scriptures – from Isaiah 54:13, a verse describing the blessings upon the church of Messiah Jesus – to point out the necessity of being taught by God: “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”

Unless the LORD God opens our eyes and reveals to us Jesus as His Son and our Savior, we will never come to know Him. We may know many things about Him, but Him we will not know; nor will we trust in His holy life and innocent sufferings and death for the sins of the world for our pardon and peace with God the Father.

Jesus told Nicodemus he could not even see the kingdom of God unless he were born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-8).

Jesus also describes the working of the Holy Spirit in this way (John 16:13-15): “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

Martin Luther, writing in his Small Catechism about The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed, explained this same truth of Scripture with the words: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life.”

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, writes to believers (1 John 2:20-27): “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”

Unless the Father draws us – unless the Holy Spirit, through the reading and hearing of God’s Word, enlightens us and reveals to us who Jesus really is and what He has done for us – we will not come to know Him or trust in Him for forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. Yes, me may know about Him, but we will not know Him and His lovingkindness toward us.

But, on the other hand, when we are taught of God and God’s Spirit, through the Scriptures, opens our eyes and brings us to know and trust in Jesus, we have everlasting life.

Indeed, Jesus is the Bread of life. He is the true bread from heaven, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Unlike the manna given to Old Testament Israel in the wilderness – the bread of which the people ate and yet died – Jesus is a living and life-giving bread. He gave His flesh, His body, up unto death on the cross as full payment for the sins of the world. He shed His blood to redeem us. He gave up Himself and suffered and died for your sins and mine. And all who trust in Him – who partake of His sacrifice by faith in Him – will live forever and never die. Those who partake of Jesus, the Bread of life, have everlasting life.

As Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

God graciously grant us to be taught of the LORD God and know Jesus and partake of His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world through faith that we might also be raised up of Christ Jesus on the Last Day unto life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers

LORD God, in your mercy, draw us to the Son. Open our eyes that we might see our utter sinfulness but also see the holy life and innocent sufferings and death of Christ Jesus in our stead. Grant us the Holy Spirit and teach us to know Messiah Jesus as our Savior from sin and death. Renew us and regenerate us. Create and preserve in us true faith Christ Jesus, the Bread of Life, that we might partake of Him through faith and live forever with You. In the name of the Son and our Savior we pray. Amen.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The Brief Statement

of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod as adopted in 1932

(Editor’s Note: This remains the official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod yet today, though in practice, many have departed from it.)

Of the Antichrist

43. As to the Antichrist we teach that the prophecies of the Holy Scriptures concerning the Antichrist, 2 Thess. 2: 3-12; 1 John 2:18, have been fulfilled in the Pope of Rome and his dominion. All the features of the Antichrist as drawn in these prophecies, including the most abominable and horrible ones, for example, that the Antichrist “as God sitteth in the temple of God,” 2 Thess. 2:4; that he anathematizes the very heart of the Gospel of Christ, that is, the doctrine of the forgiveness of sins by grace alone, for Christ’s sake alone, through faith alone, without any merit or worthiness in man (Rom. 3:20-28; Gal. 2:16); that he recognizes only those as members of the Christian Church who bow to his authority; and that, like a deluge, he had inundated the whole Church with his antichristian doctrines till God revealed him through the Reformation these very features are the outstanding characteristics of the Papacy. (Cf. Smalcald Articles. Triglot, p. 515, @_ 39 to . 1; p. 401, _ 45; M., pp. 336, 258.) Hence we subscribe to the statement of our Confessions that the Pope is “the very Antichrist.” (Smalcald Articles. Triglot, p. 475, @_ 10; M, p. 308.)

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 32; Acts 4:1-31; Luke 7:36-50. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Adult Bible Class will continue in the Gospel of John at chapter 6:41ff. Why did the Jews murmur against Jesus? How do people murmur yet today? Who will come to Jesus? How? What does Jesus promise in regard to those who come to Him? How is that comforting to us? What is the Father’s will? Can anyone come to Jesus of his own will and decision? How is Jesus, the bread of life, like the manna which God gave in the wilderness? How are they different? What is Jesus saying in verse 51? How do we eat of Jesus’ flesh and drink of His blood as Jesus describes it in this discourse?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us; for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Nigeria, Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Congregational evening Bible studies will continue again tonight, June 9, at 7 p.m. A sandwich supper will precede the study and begin about 6:20 p.m.

For those who like garage and yard sales, Ray and Bonnie Hawes will be having a huge one at their home Thursday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

Psalm 134 – A Song of degrees

Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

THE FRIEND AT MIDNIGHT AND EARTHLY FATHERS

Read Luke 11:5-13

5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

How should we come to God in prayer? Jesus here uses two parables or illustrations to teach us the answer to this question. First of all, we are to be persistent in our prayers and not give up if we do not immediately see God’s answer. If a man can get what he requests of a friend at midnight because he continues to ask, seek and knock, certainly we will receive answers to our prayers from our heavenly Father when we continue to come before Him with our requests; for He is not bothered by our prayers but wants us to pray to Him “in every trouble” and “without ceasing.” Jesus says: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9).

Secondly, we should pray in full confidence that our loving Father in heaven will give us those good and needful things for which we ask. Sinful human fathers give good gifts to their sons and do not substitute evil and harmful things for those good gifts which their sons request. Since children can ask their earthly fathers for good things and be confident that their fathers will give them those good things for which they ask, how much more should we expect our sinless, heavenly Father to give us those good things which we request of Him in prayer! He will give the Holy Spirit, together with all the blessings which the Spirit imparts, to all who ask of Him.

When thus my heart in prayer ascendeth, through Thine own Spirit, unto Thee, Thy heart, O Father, kindly bendeth its fervent love and favor unto me, rejoicing my petition to fulfill which I have made according to Thy will. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #21, Verse 5)

Why do you come to Jesus?

“The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:22-40

Why do people come to Jesus? And, more importantly, why do you come to Him?

After Jesus had miraculously fed more than 5,000 with five barley loaves and two small fish, the people searched for and found Jesus on the other side of the Sea of Galilee and they came to Him, questioning Him as to how He had come there. But Jesus ignored their questioning and got right to the heart of the matter – why they had come.

“Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.”

In other words, they hadn’t searched for and found Jesus because they saw His mighty miracles and believed that He was the Son of God and Savior of the world; they came because Jesus had given them bread to the full.

We may look with a critical eye and wonder about the foolishness of the people as we sit in our homes with more than enough to eat. But why do people come to Jesus today? When and why do we come to Jesus?

Isn’t it true that people turn to Jesus when they are in need – and often after all else has failed? People suddenly come to church or “get religion” when they are down and out. They might be in trouble with the law. They might be sick and even facing death? They might be experiencing a shortage – real or perceived – of the things they need or desire in life. Then, falling on their knees – perhaps for the first time in their lives – they pray, “Jesus, give me ….”

But are we really any different? Why do we come to Jesus in prayer? What do we seek of Him? Isn’t it, more often than not, the things we need or desire for this life? We too pray, “Jesus, give me … oh, uh … if it is Your will.”

What did Jesus say to those who came to Him? Why should we come to Jesus?

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”

Jesus is not telling us to quit working for our daily bread. We are to labor with our hands and provide for ourselves and our families – even to give to those in need (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:8). But He was telling people then and He tells people yet today to seek first eternal food – food which nourishes the soul and yields everlasting life (cf. Isaiah 55:1ff.; Matthew 6:33).

Rather than turning to Jesus only to supply our earthly desires and needs, He would have us come to Him first and foremost to provide for our greatest need – the forgiveness of all our sins and life everlasting. Indeed, that is why Jesus came into this world.

The Bible tells us (John 3:16-17): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Jesus said (Mark 10:45): “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

God sent His only-begotten Son into this world as a true man to take our place under God’s law and keep the commandments for us. Christ Jesus came into this world to suffer and die for the sins of the world and rise again that we might have forgiveness and life everlasting.

Most certainly, He cares about our earthly wants – that’s why He healed the sick and fed the thousands. But even more important than food which nourishes the body for a short time is that bread which nourishes our souls for eternity. That should be our first concern and desire. That’s why God would have us come to His Son Jesus!

When the people asked Jesus what work they needed to do to be pleasing to God, He replied, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” We are not saved or made acceptable in God’s eyes by our own works but through faith in God’s Son!

When they asked Jesus for a sign to prove that He was the One sent of God – even after they had seen His miraculous works – they again suggested the earthly: “What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”

The Jews looked at the manna in the wilderness as proof that Moses was sent by God, but Jesus clarified their assertion: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.”

God had given His people manna for the 40 years in the wilderness – not Moses – and now God was giving them true bread from heaven. Jesus said this true bread of God is He which came down from heaven and gives life to all the world.

When the people – still not understanding – asked Jesus to continually give them this bread, He explained, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

As the manna which God provided to His people every day (but the Sabbath) for 40 years sustained them in the wilderness, so Jesus Christ whom God has sent is the One who gives life which shall never end. When one partakes of Christ Jesus through faith and trusts that He indeed is God the Son in human flesh and the atoning sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the world, he will never hunger or thirst again. Why? Because Jesus – and Jesus alone – gives forgiveness of sins and life eternal! When we have faith in Jesus and His blood shed for us upon the cross, we have all that we need to live forever in fellowship with God the Father!

But the people, like most today, did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God and their Savior from sin and death and hell.

Jesus said to them, and He says still today – even to many good church goers: “But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

How sad it is that many who hear of Jesus and learn of His mighty works, even knowing that He suffered and died for the sins of the world and rose again, do not believe on Him! Oh, they believe He lived and died, and may even believe He rose again from the dead on the third day; but they do not trust in Him and His bitter sufferings and death as full payment for all their sins. They do not have the assurance that in Jesus their sins are forgiven, and that in Jesus they have everlasting life. They do not believe that God is reconciled to them for Jesus’ sake – that he reaches out to them in mercy and forgiveness.

But Jesus says all that the Father gives Him will come to Him. “[We] cannot by our [own] reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, [our] Lord, or come to Him…. (Luther’s explanation to the third article of the Apostles’ Creed). It is the work of God that any come to Jesus.

It is as Jesus later says (John 6:44): “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

It is the Holy Ghost who calls us through the preaching of the Gospel and gives us faith and understanding. He opens our eyes to the truth and allows us to see Jesus for Who He truly is – God the Son in human flesh, our Savior and Redeemer. He comforts us with the good news that Jesus paid in full for the sins of all when He suffered and died upon the cross. He assures us that in Jesus our sins, which are great, are purged and washed away and that we are in God’s sight righteous and as white as snow (cf. 1 John 2:1-2; Ephesians 1:6-7; Colossians 1:14, 19-23; Isaiah 1:18).

Jesus tells us that He came into this world to do the Father’s will. He came to seek and to save the lost (cf. Luke 19:10). If anyone, by the grace of God, comes to Jesus, Jesus will not turn Him away or cast him out. Even if his or her faith is weak and struggling, Jesus will not snuff it out. Rather, Jesus will do as the father wills.

Jesus said, “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

What is the will of God the Father? That of all those He gives to Jesus none would not be lost but continue to trust in Christ Jesus unto everlasting life. It is God’s will that we see Jesus as God the Son and the Savior of the world and that all who see the Son and trust in Him for forgiveness and life would continue in that faith and be raised up on the Last Day to life everlasting.

And so, why do you come to Jesus? Is it only for earthly bread? Only for the things you need and desire here and now? Yes, He cares about those things, but He wants to give you so much more. He desires that You come to Him for the bread of life – for the forgiveness of all sins and life eternal He won for you by His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross.

Come to Jesus, the Bread of Life, that He may give you life everlasting!

May God open your eyes and grant you to see the Son through His Word and to trust in Him unto life eternal! Amen.

The Brief Statement

of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod as adopted in 1932

(Editor’s Note: This remains the official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod yet today, though in practice, many have departed from it.)

Of the Millennium

42. With the Augsburg Confession (Art. XVII) we reject every type of Millennialism, or Chiliasm, the opinions that Christ will return visibly to this earth a thousand years before the end of the world and establish a dominion of the Church over the world; or that before the end of the world the Church is to enjoy a season of special prosperity; or that before the general resurrection on Judgment Day a number of departed Christians or martyrs are to be raised again to reign in glory in this world, or that before the end of the world a universal conversion of the Jewish nation (of Israel according to the flesh) will take place.

Over against this, Scripture clearly teaches, and we teach accordingly, that the kingdom of Christ on earth will remain under the cross until the end of the world, Acts 14:22; John 16:33; 18:36; Luke 9:23; 14:27; 17:20-37; 2 Tim. 4:18; Heb. 12:28; Luke 18:8; that the second visible coming of the Lord will be His final advent, His coming to judge the quick and the dead, Matt. 24:29, 30; 25:31; 2 Tim. 4: 1; 2 Thess. 2:8; Heb. 9:26-28; that there will be but one resurrection of the dead, John 5:28; 6:39, 40; that the time of the Last Day is, and will remain, unknown, Matt. 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:32, 37; Acts 1:7, which would not be the case if the Last Day were to come a thousand years after the beginning of a millennium; and that there will be no general conversion, a conversion en masse, of the Jewish nation, Rom. 11: 7; 2 Cor. 3:14; Rom. 11: 25; 1 Thess. 2:16.

According to these clear passages of Scripture we reject the whole of Millennialism, since it not only contradicts Scripture, but also engenders a false conception of the kingdom of Christ, turns the hope of Christians upon earthly goals, I Cor. 15:19; Col. 3:2, and leads them to look upon the Bible as an obscure book.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 30; Acts 3:1-26; Luke 7:11-17. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Adult Bible Class will continue in the Gospel of John at chapter 6:35ff. Who is the bread of life? How does partaking of Jesus through faith satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul? Did the Jews come to Jesus? Why?Who will come to Jesus? What does Jesus promise in regard to those who come to Him? How is that comforting to us? What is the Father’s will? Can anyone come to Jesus of his own will and decision? How is Jesus, the bread of life, like the manna which God gave in the wilderness? How are they different? What is Jesus saying in verse 51? How do we eat of Jesus’ flesh and drink of His blood as Jesus describes it in this discourse?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us; for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Nigeria, Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Congregational evening Bible studies will continue again at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” 1 Corinthians 16:23

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]