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
JULY WITNESS
Pastor's Message
Some things to consider:
I cannot say “our” if I live only for myself.
I cannot say “our” if I live only for myself. I cannot say “Father” if I do not endeavor to each day to live like His child.
I cannot say “Father” if I do not endeavor to each day to live like His child.I cannot say “who art in heaven” if I am laying up no treasure there.
I cannot say “who art in heaven” if I am laying up no treasure there.I cannot say “hallowed be Thy name” if I am not striving for holiness.
I cannot say “hallowed be Thy name” if I am not striving for holiness.I cannot say “Thy kingdom come” if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event.
I cannot say “Thy kingdom come” if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event.I cannot say “Thy will be done” if I am disobedient to His word.
I cannot say “Thy will be done” if I am disobedient to His word.I cannot say “on earth as it is in heaven” if I do not wish to serve Him here and now.
I cannot say “on earth as it is in heaven” if I do not wish to serve Him here and now.I cannot say “give us this day our daily bread” if I am dishonest or I am seeking things by subterfuge.
I cannot say “give us this day our daily bread” if I am dishonest or I am seeking things by subterfuge.I cannot say “forgive us our trespasses” if I harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot say “forgive us our trespasses” if I harbor a grudge against anyone.I cannot say “lead us not into temptation” if I deliberately place myself in its path.
I cannot say “lead us not into temptation” if I deliberately place myself in its path.I cannot say “deliver us from evil” if I do not put on the armor of God.
I cannot say “deliver us from evil” if I do not put on the armor of God.I cannot say “Thine is the kingdom” if I do not give the King the loyalty due Him as a faithful subject.
I cannot say “Thine is the kingdom” if I do not give the King the loyalty due Him as a faithful subject.I cannot attribute to Him “the power” if I fear what men may do.
I cannot attribute to Him “the power” if I fear what men may do.I cannot ascribe to Him “the glory” if I am seeking honor only for myself.
I cannot ascribe to Him “the glory” if I am seeking honor only for myself.I cannot say “forever and ever” if the horizon of my life is bounded completely by time.*
I cannot say “forever and ever” if the horizon of my life is bounded completely by time.*I cannot say this prayer without the aid of God’s Holy Spirit, for…
I cannot say this prayer without the aid of God’s Holy Spirit, for…I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.
In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.
In this Christian Church He daily and fully forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.
On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.
Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Grimm
Author unknown (quoted from ILlustratiopns for Biblcal Preaching, Michael P. Green, editor. © 1982, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI.)
