Looking around at this world we see, hear and feel death everywhere. We see death in our movies. We hear death in our music. We feel death in our families.

Of all the days since Pentecost, which day has done the most to change the world? How about July 4, 1776—the American Revolution, which ushered in a new era of freedom and prosperity? Or maybe July 14, 1789—the French Revolution, which was the beginning of the end for the great monarchies of Europe and exposed dark side of many revolutions, the Reign of Terror. Maybe October 25, 1917—the Russian Revolution, which led to untold misery and death for millions.

When you attended a worship service in a non-Lutheran church, have you ever kept praying the Lord’s Prayer when everyone else stopped? They ended the Lord’s Prayer with the words, “but deliver us from evil.” You continued praying, “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

There’s a section of the newspaper that intrigues me – and at the same time baffles me. It’s in the Business section. I happen to have a copy with me. When I scan over all these little numbers, I’m amazed that someone can analyze exactly what’s going on.

I want you to imagine you are part of the mob that really hates the apostle Paul. Your mob preaches circumcision, blood sacrifices and eating clean foods. Paul preaches Christ crucified. Your mob preaches the Jews are God’s chosen children. Paul preaches that people from all nations are God’s children through faith in Jesus. Your mob preaches salvation by works. Paul preaches salvation by grace alone.

At the beginning of every adult confirmation class, I give the people three warnings. First, I warn them that there are 14 lessons in the class. That’s a 3 ½ month commitment. Second, I warn them that there’s homework. (I don’t tell them about the homework until they sign up for the class.)

I learned about the Keto diet from Stacy. If you haven’t heard about the Keto diet, it is very low on carbs and very high on fats and proteins. This was good information to have because, as part of my pastoral mentoring duties, I took Pastor Scoggins from New Hope to breakfast this week. We ate at the Blue Bear restaurant down the road.

Sally (not her real name) wanted me to share her real story with you. Sally and her husband have been married for several years. They are ready to enjoy the blessings of children. But from their human vantage point, it looks like they are not going to be able to have children of their own.

Jimi was planning on finishing the last two lessons in our adult confirmation class so he could join the church with the others in the class in July.

But God had other plans.