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The Christian Nice
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
They say the colors are starting to the north!
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THE STOCK MARKET AND FINANCIAL INDUSTRY
Wow, it has been quite a week for the American economy.
Of course the politicians and the pundits are sorting out what it all means and what should be done about it.
Paul wrote about such things, “Command those who are rich in this present world (isn’t that every American?!) not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (I Timothy 6:17)
This week reminds us of this truth: wealth is indeed uncertain. Things outside of our control can change our life situation dramatically and quickly.
But be reminded of this too: God is good. He is our true and certain hope. Let our confidence always be in him, not in our finances. Do not be afraid.
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WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS
And rain it did! Rivers around town are still swollen. Some basements are wet too. What did we get? 5.3 inches?
Can you imagine being in the teeth of that hurricane? Storm surges and 100+ mile an hour winds. Inland 11 inches of rain and even more.
Help. Where you can. When you can. Help.
Check out https://catalog.lcms.org/givenow/Gift_Input.asp?ID=711 or http://www.lwr.org or the Red Cross if you would like to help with relief efforts.
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THE CHRISTIAN NICE
This last week in worship we talked Jesus’ call to forgiveness.
Do the math. The one fella had a debt equivalent to $7.40 x 8 x 5 x 52 x 15 x 10,000. That debt was wiped out. Forgiven.
Having received an enormous act of kindness, he was unwilling to forgive a debt another had against him that was equivalent to $7.40 x 8 x 1 x 100. Do the math.
What a crumb! How could he not pass along some kindness to another, having received so great a kindness himself?
Do you ever think we underestimate what God has forgiven in our lives? Do we have any real clue at how great a cleansing Jesus blood has provided?
I wonder if we realize what small things in comparison we have suffered from others. What keeps us from forgiving from our hearts what others have done against us?
Jesus gives us the answer to what should keep us from forgiving others: nothing.
At the center of “being nice” is the ministry of forgiveness. Pass it on.
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DOES THAT MEAN THAT ANYTHING GOES?
Does being quick to forgive mean downplaying the seriousness of sin? Does it mean it doesn’t matter what people do?
No. God hates sin still. And so can we. So we should.
How should we deal with sin then?
—- With our own sin
o We should confess it.
o We should stop it.
o We should turn in another direction.
— With someone else’s sin
o As we have opportunity and relationship we are to call others to repentance and to safety in Christ.
o We should do so with as little glee as a doctor has when diagnosing cancer.
o Probably shouting in the media or hitting people with picket signs isn’t very effective.
o Remember, ultimately we are to let God deal with another’s sin. We should always be offering a path to the same Savior on whom we depend.
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SO YOU KNOW
Beginning October 5 we are going to offer a special service for those who are facing special challenges: physical, financial, familial, emotional. This service will take place at 12:30 on the first Sunday of the month after the 11:00 am service. It will not replace regular weekly worship; it will be in addition. We are planning on it lasting ½ hour.
The service will consist of a brief reading, individual time of prayer and an opportunity for anointing with oil and prayer with me or one of the elders.
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DON’T FORGET
Remember we have begun to offer a service during the week for those who are unable to worship on Sunday. Monday night we offer our 633 Service: Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
This service is held in the Fellowship Center and is far more interactive and casual than our Sunday service. If you are not able to get home for dinner first, feel free to pick up some fast food somewhere and eat it in the Fellowship Center before service.