Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
“For I decided to know nothing, but …”
Carl Tuttle came from a broken home. He had a miserable childhood in which his father abused him. And yet, he became a pastor. After he became a Christian, he deeply desired to hear the voice of God. In order to give himself and God a chance, he went out into the country, where he thought he could pray for a whole day without being
interrupted. But after fifteen minutes, he felt he was not getting anywhere. So, he drove home again, feeling very depressed and disappointed.
“He told his wife that he would go to see Zachary, his two-month-old baby. He went into the room and picked him up. As he was holding him, he felt an incredible love welling up within him for this baby boy, and he started crying and talking to him, “Zachary,” he said, “I love you with all my heart. No matter what happens in this life, I will never harm you. I’ll always protect you. I’ll always be your father, I’ll always be your friend, I’ll always care for you, I’ll always nurture you, and I’ll do this, no matter what sins you commit, no matter what you do, and no matter whether you turn from me or from God.”
“Suddenly, Carl sensed that he was in God’s arms and that God was saying, “Carl, you are my son, and I love you. No matter what you do, no matter where you go, I’ll always care for you, I’ll always provide for you, I’ll always guide you.” In this way, the Spirit witnessed to Carl’s spirit that he was a child of God.” [Nicky Gumbel. Questions of Life, pg. 67. David C. Cook Publishing Co. 1993]
Our Lord knew the real questions of Carl’s heart and answered them with remarkable clarity. Clarity is important. At one point, the Apostle Paul came to this conclusion, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, ESV).
All would be well if we could hold onto these two thoughts alone. However, Easter’s challenge is to knit together the different questions around who Jesus is and His death and resurrection. With so many thoughts and emotions, it is difficult to form a coherent whole so that we might understand how to live and love as Jesus did and to fulfill His commandment to “Feed my sheep.” (John 21)
In April, we will attempt to weave the different threads of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection into a coherent whole. The Gospel texts will be from John chapters 20, 21, 10 and 15, and I encourage you to read ahead. We will ask, How and why was Jesus of Nazareth Son of man, Son of God or both?
What is the difference between Jesus of Nazareth and the Risen Christ?
Lastly, how do we live out His commands to ‘love one another’ and ‘feed my sheep.’
May the blessings of Easter enrich and fulfill your life,
Your pastor, Dennis
Welcome!
I welcome your comments regarding our shared ministry at Our Savior's.
If you would rather comment privately; please, email me at prshepherd@westriv.com
I deeply desire to bring Christian comfort and the power of prayer to those who are challenged with sickness or circumstances in life.
Neither the hospitals or care centers are allowing visitation.
If it a matter of life and death, call me and I will contact them.
Pastor Dennis
Pastor Dennis R.
We have had our share of challenges this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fear and despair, I invite you to lay your hands on a copy of Max Lucado's book
Anxious for Nothing:
Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.
We, also, have a helpful copy of "Cancer. Now What?"
available in the church office.
Of course, please contact me if you would like to chat or meet for a cup of coffee.
Pastor Dennis
