Midweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
Bible Study Archive
Midweek Bible Study
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminYouth Bible Study
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminThe Youth Bible Study will meet at Davis and Sandra Brown’s home on Wednesday, January 7th at 7:00 PM to tour Christmas decorations and have a pizza party. Come enjoy the fellowship, food and decorations. Families are welcome! Please let Susan know how many will be attending.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminJesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
One of the greatest joys of being a pastor is watching the young people of the congregation grow to become faithful disciples of Christ. The Greek word for disciple is “mathetes,” (pronounced ma-thay-tays). It means that one who is a disciple is a learner, a student of the master. The disciple follows the teacher and submits to the teacher’s ways, following the teacher’s example. This leads to a transformation in the way the disciple’s life is lived. We call this transformation living a life of “discipleship.”
When we think of disciples as students, we imagine them to be people who attend lectures or read books. But disciples, as in the context of the Bible, were required to interact with and imitate a real living person, their teacher. A disciple would literally follow someone in hopes of eventually becoming what they are. This is the calling of Christians throughout our shared history within the Church. So, how does one know if they are living the life of discipleship?
Such a life is distinguished by several indicators. We call these the “Marks of Discipleship.” The first is to be someone who is regularly dwelling in God’s Word. Reading the Bible is essential for living as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Truly, the only way to learn from Christ is to dwell in his Word.
The next mark of discipleship is to have an active and dynamic prayer life. Simply put, disciples pray. In his teaching about prayer, Jesus commands his followers to pray. As Jesus gives his teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:5-13, he says, “When you pray.” Jesus expects his disciples to pray. Through prayer faith is reaffirmed, confidence in God’s Word is built, and we become more aligned with God’s will.
It should go without saying that disciples also enjoy learning more about God’s truth. So, we can say, disciples willingly learn from the Lord. Disciples study with other disciples in fellowship with one another. Learning and fellowship are strong indicators of one who lives a life of discipleship. Disciples not only learn, but they do so eagerly and joyfully.
Disciples also worship and participate regularly in the Sacraments. Disciples come to the Lord’s table, welcomed as a sinner redeemed by Christ himself. They savor each opportunity in which they may receive the body and blood of Christ for the sake of their forgiveness and as nourishment for their faith.
And finally, disciples serve Christ by serving and evangelizing their neighbor. Engaging the mission of the Gospel means meeting the physical needs of our neighbor while also meeting their spiritual needs. Mission work is defined by these two traits. To live the life of discipleship means presenting yourself as a living sacrifice for the sake of others. All the while sharing with them the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I mentioned earlier it is a pastor’s joy to witness the younger members of the Church growing into the life of discipleship. That is because, as they learn from their pastor and their Sunday school teachers, they learn from Christ himself. Those who remain in the fellowship of their peers will grow to become faithful disciples of Jesus simply through regular learning, worship, and fellowship among God’s people. We have witnessed that here at St. Jacob’s. Just take a look at the young people who are climbing into leadership roles within our worship services. They are the ones who regularly live and learn among the faithful. We can all be thankful for each one of them as they grow in faith. Let us prayerfully guide them and may we also learn from them how to become greater disciples of our Lord Jesus.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for January – Bearing Witness to Love
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminRead John 10:19-42
There is an old saying that suggests actions speak louder than words. When people say “I love you,” the evidence is not in their spoken words, but their acts of kindness. Absent of any display of affection or selfless deeds saying to someone “I love you” is simply an empty exchange of words.
As Jesus lived among God’s people, he proclaimed the fullness of God’s love. However, it is through his many signs and wonders that our Lord makes the Father’s love known in real and visible ways. Foretold by the prophets of long ago, Jesus’s teaching and his miraculous works point to him as God’s Messiah. Still, the Pharisees and scribes would have none of this.
“How long will you keep us in suspense?” “Why do you not tell us plainly?” Jesus had already given the answer, but they refused to believe, even as they’ve
seen the evidence with their own eyes. Such hardened hearts are not capable of belief because they do not understand love.
Our works and good deeds contribute nothing towards our salvation. Yet, as believers in Christ Jesus, our works do bear witness to the love God has for his people. Jesus calls us to a life of love for God and neighbor. When one says “I love God” or “I love my neighbor,” he can only be believed when his actions match his words. Without such works, saying “I love God and neighbor” is yet one more empty exchange.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, make our actions towards others match our words of love, that all may come to see your goodness and mercy. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Posted December 26, 2025 By adminPastor David has put together an updated One Year Bible Reading Plan for members of St. Jacob’s, friends and family. This reading plan begins on January 1st and has listed scripture readings for each day of 2026. Dedicating only about fifteen minutes a day, you will read the entire Bible in one year. It is suggested that those participating in the plan find a regular time each day (each morning is best) and with pencil, pen, or highlighter in hand identify passages for later study.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted December 7, 2025 By adminTherefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
As a church with centuries of tradition celebrating the birth of Christ, it seems clear to us what these words from Isaiah mean. God will come to his people, taking on human form, invading our time and space. But imagine yourself a person in the kingdom of Judah, living in Isaiah’s time and hearing the prophet proclaim this message from God firsthand. Certainly, questions would come to mind. “Who is this child Isaiah is talking about?” “When will the child be born?” So many questions to be asked, so many answers to be given, but for now, all the people of Judah could do is wait; wait for God to act, wait for the promised Messiah. As the Church enters into yet another season of Advent, the question becomes; “What are we waiting for?”
As so many people turn the pages of their calendars from November to December, thoughts of the Christmas celebration quickly move to the forefront. There are plans to be made, parties to attend, cards to be mailed and gifts to be purchased. But in all this busyness, what about the promise? Where do Isaiah’s words enter the picture of our Christmas celebration, and do they have a lasting meaning in our everyday lives? Have Isaiah’s words about the coming of Christ lost their urgency or is the church tired of waiting?
Well, truth be told, Advent seems to be the most misunderstood, most unobserved time of the church year. Isaiah’s words are words of promise and words of perseverance while patiently waiting for God to act. But we live in a time where we want gratification immediately. They say patience is a virtue, but it seems our society is running low on virtue. Still, Advent calls us to wait. The message of our Advent season is that just as Christ came into the world so long ago, he will come again bringing God’s kingdom to his people in its fullness and glory.
Now, we all love Christmas, some so much that they begin counting down the days very early in Summer. And clearly, the world loves Christmas, at least what it thinks Christmas is. Christmas trees, festive songs, snowmen, reindeer, and a jolly old elf seem to usher in a time that is most cherished in peoples’ lives. For many, waiting for Christmas begins very early in the year. Early decorations, playing Christmas carols, shopping for gifts. That’s how so many show their love for Christmas. And I wonder, is this what Christmas has become for so many Christians today? If we have this insatiable love for the world’s sense of Christmas, how do we show our love for God with all our heart, soul, and mind for the other 364 days of the year?
Our present reality is that we live in a post-Christian society where even believers don’t dedicate time to Sabbath learning and hearing God’s Word. Many Christians insist they have a strong belief in Jesus. Yet for so many, this strong belief is only shown in social media comments and responses. Yet preparing for the world’s celebration of December 25th takes the shape of preparing for a Christmas without Christ. It seems to me that our post Christian society needs a reset.
As we patiently wait for Christ to come again, we do well to respond in faith to Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, not just during Advent, but all year long. It’s time for all Christians to put the truth behind their claims of faithfulness.
As Isaiah said so many years ago, the Christ child has been given unto us. Christ invaded our world, taking on human form and reconciling people to God. Now we await that day when Christ will come again, just as he has promised to do. We actively wait by lifting up our voices in praise and thanksgiving, loving our neighbor as God loves us, and by passing on the good news of Christ to a world in need of God’s grace. Not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
Isaiah prophesied that the Christ would come in a miraculous way. A virgin will conceive and bear a son who will be called Emmanuel, that is “God with us.” Jesus promised he would come again in the fullness of God’s glory. He would come and bring the people of God into his glorious kingdom. Yet, this is the same Savior who, after promising to return urged his followers to remain diligent in worship and prayer when he said, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). Considering our present reality, I find that to be a good question.
It’s not always easy to say, but at the beginning of this Advent season, this is truly what is on your pastor’s heart.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Midweek Bible Study
Posted December 1, 2025 By adminMidweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
Advent at St. Jacob’s
Posted December 1, 2025 By adminThe season of Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year for the Christian Church. The word “advent” literally means “coming.” During Advent, Christians prepare for the second coming of our King Jesus Christ. This year, due to Christmas Eve being on a Wednesday, our Advent celebration includes three midweek services. We ponder again the great mystery of the incarnation when our Lord humbled himself, taking on our humanity, and his promised second coming. Mid-week Advent Vespers will be observed on the three Wednesdays in Advent (Dec. 3 rd, 10 th , 17th) beginning at 7:00 PM. Our liturgy for these services will be Holden Evening Prayer Vespers. Following tradition of vespers liturgy, Holy Communion will not be offered during these services, and the Advent observation will culminate with the eucharistic celebration upon the Nativity of Our Lord on December 24th. If you have been away from St. Jacob’s for an extended period, Advent is a great time to renew your relationship with your church family. All are encouraged to “come and see” him who is called Christ the Lord and prepare for his coming again. Join your church family in worship in all these opportunities to help prepare the way of the Lord.
Pastoral Devotion for December – Light of the World
Posted December 1, 2025 By adminRead Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-4
Light came down; it came from heaven. This light came down and assumed the flesh of a child. He took up residence among the people of God. Many who encountered the light did not recognize its source. Most who passed by didn’t even take notice. Others most certainly found it hard to believe such light could radiate from the smallest, most insignificant of people; a baby wrapped in rags, a feeding trough for his bed. But then shepherds came.
They were filled with excitement; theirs was a story too good to be true. Angels brought, to this band of sheep watchers, the news concerning the birth of a Savior; Christ the Lord they said! Can it be? The Christ of God born this night…in this little town? So, they ran, only to find things just the way the angels said they would be. In that instant, the shepherds recognized the light.
Who told you? Who brought you the good news of this light from heaven? Was it an angel, or a shepherd? Probably not, but it was most certainly someone who recognized the light from heaven; and now you do too. Tell others. Tell them light came down. Tell them it came from heaven. And in the light was life and the life was the light for all people. This is the light no worldly darkness shall ever overcome. Angels told shepherds. Tell someone, anyone. Share the light of Christ.
Prayer: God of wonder, fill us with the light of your Christ, that we may share the light and the life he brings for the sake of all people. For we know he is Christ the Lord. Amen.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted November 15, 2025 By admin[Jeus said] 33“For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” John 6:33-34
With Thanksgiving being just over the horizon, I, like most people, can recall many fond memories from Thanksgivings past. They play in my mind like film loops running continuously in succession. One of my fondest memories is watching my grandma as she went about the task of making her famous biscuits. Here in the South, they would be better known as dinner rolls, but we didn’t live in the South back then, and in Michigan they were called biscuits, so biscuits it shall be.
For every gathering of the extended family, my grandma’s biscuits would be the highlight of the meal. She would begin making them early in the morning when she could enjoy peace and quiet, having the kitchen all to herself. Sometimes I would sneak into the kitchen and just take up a place next to her without saying a word. Grandma would give me a nod and then continue with her work. Taking a fist full of dough, she would squeeze it just right and “pop” just enough through her thumb and forefinger to produce a perfectly sized ball that would later be my biscuit, or my brother’s, or someone else’s.
Every now and then, she would let me give it a try. I’d snatch up some dough, give it a squeeze, but try as I might I just couldn’t get the hang of it. Grandma was a pro; she could pop out those dough balls faster than I could count them and soon enough she would attract a crowd. All of her grandchildren would assemble around the table to watch the dough “pop” through her fingers. The more she would do it, the more we would say, “Go slower so we can see how it is done.” None of us ever quite got the hang of it, but we always looked forward to Grandma’s biscuits. As the family grew over the years, so too would the number of biscuits, each year leaving us wanting more. But I’m not sure what we wanted more of, the delicious biscuits or the wonderful experience of watching Grandma as she “popped” them out.
Reading the gospel according to St. John, we see Jesus also had a situation concerning having enough bread. Jesus had been seen performing great miracles of healing; and the more such signs and wonders were witnessed, the larger the crowds following him became. Then, while in the wilderness, crowds of people who were gathered around Jesus grew hungry. Having only five small loaves and two fish at his disposal, Jesus “popped” out enough bread so that everyone, about 5,000 men plus their families, could have enough and be satisfied. Amazingly, or should I say miraculously, there were even twelve full baskets leftover. The bread seemed to “pop” out of nowhere and the people were amazed.
Later, after Jesus had returned to Capernaum, the crowds of people that were fed previously on the other side had made it across the sea, searched for and found Jesus. They wanted more, the question was, what did they want more of? They asked to see the miracle again. Perhaps they were still hungry, but I can’t imagine that free bread would be enough cause for so many people to travel such a distance, especially so quickly. They wanted more. They wanted to believe Jesus was God’s long-awaited Messiah, and they wanted him to prove it by producing more bread. Jesus’s answer? “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
The people wanted a sign so that they might believe; yet with the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus had already done so. The crowds wanted to see the miracle again. They wanted to be sure. What they failed to realize is that it isn’t bread that satisfies the hunger they were experiencing, it goes much deeper than that. Earthly bread satisfies hunger for a little while; Jesus satisfies the hunger that goes much deeper; Jesus satisfies the hunger of our souls. Jesus gives food for life, food for forgiveness, food for our salvation. Jesus satisfies our hunger for God’s love and grace by giving his body and blood as ransom for our sin. Jesus satisfies our hunger to live in the peace of Christ, knowing that no matter what trials we face on earth, we will never be separated from God’s love; and we will become inheritors of his kingdom forever. So, because of this, we say to Christ, “Give us this bread always, that we may share the good news with others.” Thanks be to God.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
