Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
Growing up often feels like an adventure, at least in hindsight. At the time, as I think about it, I was frequently wishing and hoping for opportunities. Wishful thinking isn’t very productive. Furthermore, I thought I had to do everything on my own, but that didn’t work out very well. It may seem like I’m exaggerating, but it’s only by the grace of God that I was successful at all. And it’s only in hindsight that I now begin to see how much I missed by neglecting to understand and live in God’s ways.
The world was waiting for a ruler.
Throughout the Middle East, it was well known among the wise that a ruler would come from Judea and save the world. But what would He save the world from? And how would He be different from all the rulers who claimed to be from God? No one expected how a carpenter from Nazareth would change the world.
When He came, He did not seek the intellectuals or the powerful in Jerusalem and Rome. He stayed in rural areas, teaching ordinary people. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. …Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin.” (1 Corinthians 1:27–31, NLT)
Notice two small but incredibly important details that Paul writes, “God chose…and He freed us from sin.” Most of the world did not know sin because they did not know God.
I believe our confusing and deceptive world needs Jesus more than ever. Please, make time to join us this January as we reflect on the early days of Jesus’ ministry.
Sunday, January 7th, we remember that God chose the Wise Men from the East, who with open eyes and willing hearts, found the “King of the Jews” in a stable. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Sunday, January 14th, we find Jesus, now thirty years old, seeking out God’s chosen prophet, John the Baptizer, to begin His ministry with baptism. (Matthew 3:13-17)
Sunday, January 21st, we began to realize who Jesus is and how He will heal the world from short-sighted, human-centered philosophies. (John 1:29, ESV).
Sunday, January 28th, Finally, Jesus, the Son of God, begins His work, “teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” (Matthew 4:23, ESV)
Please, take some time to ponder these passages and the events surrounding the revelation of Jesus, the Son of God, and how He might guide you through the confusion and deception of your life or the lives of those you love.
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
