St. John's Lutheran Church Red Bud

Even when it seems the hand of the Lord is against you, trust that He is at work through you. Put your hand to the plow and know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to return home, but Ruth clung to Naomi. Even when Naomi was bitter, the Lord continued working for her and through her for His glory - the saving of our souls.

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil...but the love of God in Christ is the root of all kinds of generosity.

Pastor Nowak delivered the sermon on Saturday, Sept. 20

What does the cross mean for us in these latter, evil days? How should we think about all these recent events that have stirred us up and created fear and anxiety in our culture? What is God doing about it all?

Moses tells the Israelites to choose life and good, not death and curse. Such an easy command, but one that we cannot accomplish - not even Eve & Adam in the Garden of Eden could succeed, and we like them succumb to the devil's temptations, choosing what seems good to us as opposed to God's commands.

Jesus challenges the religious leaders asking whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus shows that the Sabbath was made for us, to serve us. So, what do we need? Why is there a Sabbath? How do we obey the 3rd Commandment?

Jesus calls us to "strive to enter that narrow door" Don't put your faith in the deep freeze, struggle against the desires of the flesh daily. Jesus has opened the way, given you the life, strive to enter so you don't find yourself standing outside on judgment day.

We begin looking at the hard sayings of Jesus. How should we hear "I came to cast fire on the earth....Do you think I came to bring peace? No" but we learn that these are good things for us. Jesus endured the cross, the wrath of God, for we who are His joy. Now, in that faith we run our race with endurance.

What did Abram have to fear? How did God comfort him? How can Jesus say "do not be anxious"? God is our peace and comfort, it is in His Word we have faith. This saving faith looks to God's promises fulfilled in Christ and carries us through this world.

It can be difficult to find true contentment in a world filled with "stuff" and seemingly better options all around. So where should our focus be? Well, with the things that will last.