ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
(The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod)
Alma, Kansas
A family united by faith in Christ gathering around God's Word and Sacraments.
To reach out in Christ-like concern and Christ-borne love to each other and to those without Christ!
In This Month's
St. John Witness
OCTOBER WITNESS
Pastor's Message
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:3
What should the church look like?
People want to know how the church should act and behave. They want to see it making a difference. They want it to be wonderful!
But we may argue about how that should be done. Tempers may flare up. Feeling may get hurt. Words may be said that do not reflect the truth of God. Churches today have questions and issues like this. But this is not new.
Let’s look at Jesus’ twelve disciples. They were as close to God as anyone ever was. Yet they argued among themselves: “When [Jesus] was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:33-37)
It is not easy to be like Jesus. Patience and humility are vital within the church as well as reaching out from the church.
What should the church look like?
The church should look like the family of God. God sets the standard for the church. He gives it truth. He brings it mercy. He gives His Spirit.
And yes, the disciples of the 21st Century may argue amongst themselves. And Jesus rebukes us for our quibbles and quarrels. One thing is necessary – Jesus Christ!
Jesus Christ has taken the punishment of vile words and evil deeds upon himself. Reformation and ReVitality focus upon this truth. We should look like people who look to God.
Rejoicing as holy children of God!
Pastor Grimm
