Our Wednesday Morning Bible Study is in full swing as we gather each week at 9:30 AM in the fellowship hall. The topic of our study is Graying in Grace, Becoming Mature Disciples of Jesus Christ. This study was written for NALC congregations by Pastor Brad Hales, who was our Homecoming guest preacher in August. Come join us. All materials are provided, the only thing missing is you!
Bible Study Archive
Morning Bible Study
Posted October 31, 2019 By adminPastoral Devotion For October
Posted October 1, 2019 By adminThe Good Life
Read – Luke 9:18-27
A quick trip down the self-help aisle of your favorite bookstore suggests the way to living the good life is a positive outlook, high self-esteem and a heavy dose of optimism. Even some well-known evangelical authors try to convince us that the key to a good life means understanding God wants us to have our best life now. In such cases and through their royalties, it is usually the authors of such books who realize the good life they proclaim.
Jesus teaches his followers a much different path to a full and rich life. Jesus calls God’s people to forsake the ways of the world by taking up a life of humble service for the sake of others. Denying ourselves and taking up the cross means we are to follow the example of our Lord, loving our neighbors and putting their needs ahead of our own. Such a life eschews the notion of living our best life now.
Christians know this earthly life is but a glimpse. It is not something to be treasured above all else, but to be lived in such a way that others may also receive a glimpse of the kingdom to come. Jesus says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (v. 24). The good life we aspire to is the life of eternal joy in God’s kingdom. To this life, there is only one book that truly points the way.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, equip and empower us to follow you along the path to eternal life.
Amen.
Duty and Delight
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminAlong with many of you, my list of responsibilities seem to grow larger each day. We all have obligations that we must fill in our families, in the workplace and at home. Are these meant to be our primary duties? What about our duties and obligations to God and His church? We fill the needs in our homes, with cleaning, cooking, laundry and lawn care. All these things seem to keep our lives in order. What of our spiritual lives and our duties to the Kingdom of God? You can find the word “duty” often in scripture. In Luke 17:10, Jesus said, “so you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty.”
As Christians, we should take delight in our obligations. “It is our duty and delight that we should everywhere and always offer thanks and praise to you, O God, through Jesus Christ …” We should always strive to serve our Lord with a joyful heart. The more that we actively serve, the closer we walk with Jesus. Membership of a congregation carries responsibility. We are the body of Christ, and all parts must work together to know and show Christ’s love in every aspect of our lives.
Duty and delight seem to work best when paired together. I encourage you to find delight in even the most mundane chores. I give praise to God for the beautiful family that he has given me to care for. When I carry that thought with me, I can find joy in all my daily obligations. We should do the same in the responsibilities that we have in serving God. I thank God for our church and the people who worship and serve with us.
This month is stewardship month. As we begin to hand out the time and talent sheets, I urge you to follow what you are called to do. We all have God given talents and we would love to know how you can share yours.
Nicki
Stewardship Team
Morning Bible Study
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminMorning Bible Study returns on Wednesday, October 16th beginning at 9:30 AM. Our subject of study will be a study written by our Homecoming guest Pastor Brad Hales titled Graying in Grace: Becoming Mature Disciples of Jesus Christ. Copies of the study will be available for all participants, so the only materials you will need is your Bible and a desire to grow in faith and discipleship. Those planning to participate are encouraged to invite their friends and neighbors to study with us.
Congregational Retreat at St. Christopher
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminOur next congregational retreat is scheduled for the weekend of January 10th-12th at beautiful Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island, SC. Last year several of our church family members enjoyed a time away for study, fellowship and refreshment as we shared our faith with one another. The theme of our retreat will be Living and Growing as Disciples of Jesus Christ. The cost per person is $150.00, the same as last year. There will be discussion concerning discipleship within families, discipleship of our children and being disciples for the sake of others. We will even enjoy a session around the campfire on the beach!
For those who may need assistance in meeting the cost, please contact Pastor David. Money should never be the issue for people to miss an opportunity to grow in faith and their relationship with Christ. Registration forms are available in the narthex and also through email. Just contact the church office.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted September 1, 2019 By adminThe reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:4-6
Within the Rite of Holy Baptism, parents of small children, sponsors and congregations promise that we will lead the child into a healthy life of faith in Christ Jesus. We promise that we will bring the child to God’s house for worship, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments and the Creed. We promise to place the Holy Scriptures in their hands and help them learn from them by reading the Bible together. We promise to provide for their instruction in the Christian faith so that they would live in the covenant of their baptism and in communion with God’s people. Parents of the newly baptized children especially bear responsibility for these promises; promises their parents first made on their behalf years ago.
The Proverb above speaks to the importance of such promise keeping. Usually, when the Proverb is spoken of, it is verse six that stands alone; “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” But when we read this verse in its fuller context, we soon realize the importance of a young life being provided a strong foundation of faith. The world is filled with powers that defy God, temptations that are overwhelming and so many of the devil’s false promises. We all want our children to have a good life, a full life, one that brings pleasure to their selves and to others. But as we read in Scripture, and know through our experience, the devil and his minions set thorns and snares along the pathways of God’s people. On our own, we are no match for them. Left to fend for ourselves, we will fall deeper into sin without even realizing it.
For several decades now, there has been a worsening condition permeating the Christian Church, one by which we have seen ever increasing numbers of our younger members fall away from faith. I believe it is so important to address this condition that I have devoted my doctoral studies to develop resources for pastors, congregations and families to bring about faith formation for our children and children’s children.
I think we can all agree that we would love to see more of our young people in worship and Sunday school. The trouble is that so often we don’t know how to encourage them. Instead, we sometimes inadvertently enable them in their staying away. Truth being told, children, especially teens, earnestly desire to have a healthy relationship with church families, one centered upon Jesus Christ and one that shares a desire to grow in relationship with God and his people.
Over the years, I have ministered to parents whose children have fallen away from the church. I have ministered to grandparents who faithfully bring their grandchildren to worship often (and that’s a good thing). I have also heard questions from such children that ask, “If mommy and daddy don’t have to go to church, why do I have to go?” This is a heartbreaking question because at the root of it lies a deeper and more central question, “Why don’t mommy and daddy WANT to go?”
Jesus says, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16). The riches, honor and life the Proverb speaks of is a life lived eternally in the presence of God. When we fail to keep our baptismal promises, we hinder our children; we keep them from growing in a life of faith in Christ. And not only that, first and foremost, we break the promise we initially made before God and one another.
People of God, I know this is a sensitive issue. I myself have had to face this truth in my own life. I know first-hand the difficulties of keeping such promises, especially when children grow older and become more independent. That is precisely the time when parents should strive to keep the promise they made to their child. Train them up in the way they should go. Encourage them when they are older, and faithfully come to God’s house together and enjoy a life lived among God and his people. Doing so will bring us to the reward God has in mind for all his people; life in his kingdom forever.
Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion For September
Posted September 1, 2019 By adminThe Will of the Father
Matthew 21:23-32
In the parable, Jesus said “A man had two sons.” Both of these sons were given direction to work in their father’s vineyard. One said no, but later went. The other said yes, but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? According to the Pharisees, it was the son who said no, but changed his mind.
Have you ever noticed in this parable, Jesus doesn’t tell them that they are correct? Did the Pharisees get it right? The truth is that both sons at one point fell short of the father’s expectations. Both sons needed a change of heart.
How often have you heard God’s Word and said “No, I will not go” but later went? How many other times have you said, “Yes, I will go” but failed to do so? In each case we fall short of God’s glory and need a change of heart. Thankfully, through Christ we are afforded God’s mercy and grace. All we need to do is ask, and God will provide the will and means necessary to do that which he calls us to do. For the will of the Father is that we believe in his Son. Today, as in all days, God calls you to faith through Christ and to work in his vineyard. How will you respond?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, strengthen me in faith, that when you call, I may do your will. Amen.
Upcoming Youth Event
Posted August 28, 2019 By adminPrayer Breakfast—We will have a prayer breakfast for students (7th —12th Grades) every Wednesday morning for the rest of the year at 8:30 AM in the fellowship hall. See you on Wednesdays.
Youth Lock-In — All 7th—12th graders, please make plans to enjoy a lock-in with Rachel. Bring a pillow, toothbrush, toothpaste, sleeping bag, a change of clothes and your Bible. You are welcome to invite your friends.
Youth Group Meeting—We will be meeting on Sunday, September 15th at 5 PM in the Sanctuary
Youth Director & Family Ministries
Posted August 28, 2019 By admin16 So say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
As a continuation of my last newsletter article; the importance of implementing daily time in prayer and in scripture study during the slow season that will carry us into the next with joyful hearts. It’s no secret that there is a lot going on in our world today and sometimes it seems that our only option is for our face to meet the ground time and time again and pray. This is where we are to press in, instead of letting the flesh lead us, we must rediscover the preeminence of the Word of God and value truth over feeling and emotion; let us hold on even tighter to the anchor of the living Word of God and to our church family also.
We need to pray in boldness, faith, and declaration in order to raise up our youth amongst the craziness of the world around us. This is done by impressing the importance of discipleship, church attendance, and Godly living as no optional- but commandments we are to obey as Christians. It is essential that as we continue to grow our youth program at St. Jacob’s, we do so as a team. One body, made of different parts, with different gifts; all committed to seeing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth be a reality for our young people. I look forward to growing in these spiritual disciplines alongside each of you for in the months to come.
All for His glory, Rachel
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted August 1, 2019 By adminCongo Mission 2019
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:13-15
Through my mission work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I have learned first-hand the meaning of the above text. The apostle Paul explains to Christians that God extends his grace throughout the world. Everyone who comes to faith in Christ Jesus is saved from their sin and gains the promise of eternal life. But how will people come to faith unless God’s people share the gospel?
For five years, Pastor Stéphane Kalonji and I have traveled to the Congo in obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. Christ calls all Christians to go into the world making disciples and teaching the Word of God. This is precisely our mission as we go; to preach and teach God’s Word, and to provide training for others that they may be messengers of God’s grace. Upon this, my third trip to Congo, I have again seen how God continues to build up his Church and bring people to faith through the hearing of the gospel.
Pastor Kalonji and I visited three Lutheran parishes while we were in Congo. We first went to the city of Boma where two years ago I was commissioned by Bishop Keya (Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Congo) to be his missionary to the Lutheran Church in America. I have made friends in Boma, friends that I pray for each day. Upon our arrival, we received a welcome much like that of a family member coming home after an extended period. One by one, people would come to the church and visit with us, telling us of how they have been getting along since our last trip.
In Boma, Pastor Kalonji and I led two seminars for pastors and lay people; we sang with the choirs of men and women; and we preached together, me in English with Pastor Stéphane translating into Lingala. During the hymn following the sermon, a young man ran up to me and dusted off my shoes. This is a common reaction to the preached Word of God in Boma. “How beautiful the feet of those who preach the good news.”
That Monday, we traveled to the city of Tshela, a place neither of us had been before. In Tshela, we were greeted by an excited congregation of God’s people who lined the street leading to their place of worship. The welcome we received was extraordinary to say the least. This was an unexpected addition to our trip, but the joy we found and the response to God’s Word as we taught women and men, and then preached can only be described as unbridled enthusiasm. Children sat in the doorways and windows of the building, not to mention those who occupied the front four benches directly in front of me.
As Pastor Kalonji preached to the crowded church in their native language, I connected with the many children using a common language we all understood. We exchanged funny faces, smiles and even a bit of laughter. It didn’t matter that we couldn’t understand one another as we spoke. We understood one another as we shared a relationship established by God through his Son Jesus Christ. Once more, at the completion of our presentation and my telling the congregation of the joy I have witnessed through their faith, a young man came up to me and dusted off my shoes in a gesture of thankfulness to God for sending his missionaries to preach the good news.
From the Pastor’s Heart
by Pastor David Nuottila
