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.
Pastor Archive
Midweek Bible Study
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminFrom 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.
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.
Pastoral Devotion for November – Called by Christ
Posted November 3, 2025 By adminRead Matthew 4:17-22, Acts 9:1-9
Four men were simple fishermen. They really did not have the qualifications we might think necessary to build a church. Their expertise was working with nets and boats, finding fish, catching and selling them. Another man was a tax collector, a traitor in the eyes of many of his peers. He worked for the oppressive government, taking in more than he was asked so that he could skim off the top and live a lavish lifestyle. Certainly, as we size up the twelve, none would seem made of the metal required to carry on Christ’s mission.
Within today’s Church, many pastors come with prior experience. Some filled occupations in skilled labor, others held professional positions. Before attending seminary and being ordained, many pastors, myself included, never thought themselves qualified or to be one called to the office of Pastor. Yet, years later, there they are and here I am.
And so, we have the conversion of Saul, who was once a persecutor of the Church. Along the Damascus Road, Jesus confronted Saul, brought him to faith, and made him God’s instrument in the gospel mission. God chooses whom he will. And he alone equips and qualifies those he chooses. Who knows? If he has not already, God may choose you. Actually, he already has.
Every Christian man, woman or child is called to share the good news of Christ Jesus. Sharing faith with friends and family, inviting others to worship and doing acts of charity are all ways in which we proclaim the goodness of God. Certainly, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God has called us all to do all the above. Go in peace; serve the Lord.
Prayer: Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord, and use me as you will. Amen
Midweek Bible Study
Posted October 30, 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.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 7, 2025 By admin“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.” Psalm 119:105-106
Throughout my career as Pastor, it has been my privilege and pleasure to be a teacher of God’s Word. Nothing gets me going like a rousing conversation centered upon the message of God’s Law and Gospel shared among the people of Faith. Since coming to St. Jacob’s about eight years ago, I have made it a priority to encourage the members of our church family to regularly engage God’s Word. In this time together, I have shared reading plans for everyone to read the entire Bible in the span of one year. I have also offered many weekly Bible studies, some well attended, others, not so much. We even had a few opportunities to read the entire Bible chronologically in ninety days. My congratulations to those who were able to complete these readings of the Scriptures, no matter the time frame or which reading plan you followed.
Currently, I am leading an in-depth study of the Gospel according to John on Wednesday mornings. In all of these, our study together has helped me grow in my faith and love for God’s Word and increased my hunger to continue wading through the Scriptures. What has become the norm for me and for several others is that as we read the more familiar stories in the text, we find something we never noticed before. Whether it is studying how Jesus is made known in the Old Testament, or how the ancient prophecies of God’s grace come alive in Christ in the New Testament, it is always a profound moment when such connections are made.
Through the summer months, I had the joy of meeting with members who wanted to learn more about the Lutheran tradition. Our Adult Confirmation group has been a highlight of my ministry for the year, and I look forward to continued exploration of our Lutheran heritage with them, while inviting more of you to join the conversation.
I have set a goal for myself for the next few years ahead. I am going to strive to lead a study of each book in the New Testament, one by one, so that everyone can gain greater knowledge of God’s Word and have confidence in sharing it with others. To be people of the Word is a noble endeavor for all Christians and a wise undertaking for people of faith. What strikes me as significant is that people who have a long history of reading their Bible continue to make important discoveries in their faith as they read and study together.
Unpacking the familiar stories and exploring their tradition and meaning from the ancient languages of Hebrew and Greek help us to engage the Bible on a deeper level and in a much different way. My hope is that we are able to do this with the New Testament Books and that we become more deeply grounded in faith. Currently, we are gaining new and fresh insights concerning John’s Gospel message about Jesus who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I pray that more will join us in this and other studies.
Right now, Bible study is held on Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. I would love to offer more opportunities for those who are not able to make it on Wednesday morning but would like to join a study led by their pastor. Please let me know of any times or days that would work and let’s read the Bible together.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottil
