Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
After His Ascension to the right hand of God, Jesus did not lie back, take a vacation, and
let His followers figure things out for themselves. “God was not done yet!”
The Apostles saw Christ resurrected and alive, but they would soon ask, “Why did the
Son of God have to die a terrible death? What was the point?”
Then, God sent the promised Holy Spirit. Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, would
proclaim, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God,...” (Acts 2:22–23, ESV) (Bolding mine)
The Apostles, by and large, were fishermen, not rabbis. Therefore, God called Saul of
Tarsus, who would become known as Paul, who had two very valuable characteristics.
1. He was top of his class at the great Rabbi Hillel school in Jerusalem, and
2. He grew up in the gentile city of Greco-Roman culture and philosophy.
After Jesus called Saul in Acts 9, he spent time in the wilderness, where except for a visit
to Peter, Saul had no contact with the Apostles. We can assume His knowledge of Jesus’
redemptive acts came through the Holy Spirit of Jesus. (Galatians 1:11-2:1) Over the years, Paul wrote letters to congregations to remind them of the gospel he had taught them. Paul, like the prophets of old, wrote inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, and
therefore, what they teach is of particular interest to us, who live in a world of confusing
and deceptive voices.
In July and August, we will delve into the profound topics addressed in Paul’s 13 letters in the New Testament. Paul, more than any other Apostle, explains why Jesus died a horrible death to free us from the guilt of sin. But “For you were called to freedom, brethren. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
I know summer is busy, but I hope to see you in church,
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
