Lamb of God Ev Lutheran Church & Academy
February of 2019 ~ Newsletter
Contemplate your many sins – for Christ’s sake
This phrase may seem like a conundrum. It may appear to be an oxymoron. It isn’t.
God’s Word is crystal clear when it states, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9 ESV
Christ has won the day for us by His blood. He has done all the work required for the forgiveness of sins. That’s why we should always contemplate our sins – for Christ’s sake.
In recognizing the depths of our need for peace with God we recognize the one who won that peace. The ONLY one who could win peace for us.
At the beginning of every Divine Service, we confess our sins before God and receive absolution. This is genuine absolution that we have for Christ’s sake. It is the forgiveness of sins in which we live every moment of our lives.
Inevitably there are those who will arrive for the Divine Service after the corporate confession and absolution. When that happens I urge you to make use of a brief confession of sins which will be included within the order of service. It is, obviously, appropriate that everyone contemplate their sins – for Christ’s sake. It is appropriate for the sake of right reception of His body and blood.
Some may say that such a confession has no absolution in place. I would argue that such a confession is tantamount to what Luther describes as confession in the Small Catechism.
In answer to the question, “What sins should we confess” Luther declares that, “Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer…” As all of God’s people are called to pray the Lord’s Prayer, all of God’s people are called and able to contemplate their sins – for Christ’s sake.
Having confessed your many sins, and observed that you deserve eternal damnation, then feel free to cry out to God for His full and free absolution. He will not delay to remit your guilt and bring you to the Altar rightly prepared to receive His true body and blood for your life and salvation.
Pastor Houser
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Schedules
February Birthdays
February 4 Alex Rock
Anja Ziegler
February 5 Claire Brumfield
February 19 Erich Ziegler
February 28 Patrick Dean
Karl Houser
Chelsea Rock
February Anniversaries
February 11 Louis & Erika Riva
February 18 Johnny & Kim Gaona
February 19 Cliff & Allison Liddell
February Baptismal Birthdays
February 13 John Bergoch
February 23 Anja Ziegler
February Greeter List
February 3 LaVere & Anne Schipper
February 10 Bob Anderson
February 17 Phillip & Nancy Schroeder
February 24 Ed Morrissette
February Deacons Schedule
February 2 John Adams
February 3 Dwayne Bolling, Joey Rubenthaler
February 9 Gary Schilling
February 10 Louis Riva, Erich Ziegler
February 16 Louis Riva
February 17 Erich Ziegler, Dwayne Bolling
February 23 John Adams
February 24 Joey Rubenthaler, Gary Schilling
February Altar Guild Schedule
February 2 Eileen & John Bergoch
February 3 Stephanie Sleeper
February 9 Tammy & John Adams
February 10 Elizabeth & Claudia Fusselman
February 16 Carol Krenzer
February 17 Denise Bolling
February 23 Kathy Sinnett
February 24 Donna Rock/Jillene Houser
Valentine Day for Prayer Partners
Dear students and adults, February 14 is approaching so let this be a gentle reminder it is a wonderful time to present a card and piece of candy to your prayer partner.
On the weekend of February 9/10, we will have a table set up in hall/narthex so you can leave a card for your partner. If you get here and have forgotten stop in at the church office, we will have some extra cards if needed.
Dear heavenly Father, bless the children of our congregation and grant that by Your Spirit they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of Your Word. Grant that they may serve You well, developing their talents not for their own sakes but for Your glory. Guide and protect them throughout their lives and keep them from all harm and danger, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
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