Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
The story of a peaceful boy begins in a happy little village and ends with him returning
home three years later as a seasoned hero who saved Middle-Earth. The saga ends with the wounded hero sailing away to a place where heroes never die. The first time I read The Lord of the Ringstrilogy, I was eager to know how it would end. As I read and re-read the adventure over the years, I was surprised by how difficult the final chapters were to read, sometimes waiting weeks before finishing them. I knew how it would end, but I didn’t want the experience to end.
Easter is somewhat like that, with two exceptions. Jesus doesn’t sail over the horizon to
an unknown land never to be seen again; He is coming again, and God’s Holy Spirit is with all who confess and believe Him. When Jesus tells His disciples about the days to come in Matthew 24 & 25, He says, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.” (Matthew 25:31, ESV) Therefore, we confess, Jesus Christ is not done yet.
In Matthew 16, Jesus asks his disciples to confess who they think He is. “Simon Peter
replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:16-18, ESV)
Jesus renames Simon, son of John, Peter, the rock, not because of Peter’s great character
or faithfulness [remember how Peter denied him on the night He was arrested], but his
confession and belief.
Luther wrote in the margins of his translation of this passage into German, “All
Christians are Peters on account of the confession which Peter here makes, which is the rock [of faith] on which Peter and all Peters are built.” (Volume 67, Luther’s Works. Concordia Publishing.)
When the Risen Christ appears to the Disciples on Easter Sunday, Jesus says to Thomas
after Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus said to him, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:28-29, ESV) Believed what? Was Jesus a powerful wizard who had power over sin and death? Or is our confession the Apostle’s Creed and the Lord’s Prayer?
You see, a story is only a story, even if we love it. But when we confess Jesus Christ as
the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, God’s Holy Spirit changes our lives, for we have
confessed to the only truth that will give peace and comfort today, like no other, and hope for tomorrow.
I hope to see you in church as we confess and believe in the Savior and only Hope of the
world.
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
