Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:23
Groan With Hope
The Bible calls the blessings we receive as Christians (for example, the peace of forgiveness) the “firstfruits.” The full harvest is coming. We have not experienced all the blessings that God promised. Therefore, we still battle temptations and fight our sinful nature. We still feel the aches of aging bodies. Because sin has left its mark on us, we groan.
But the Christian’s groan is different. The world hopes things might get better. The Christian groans with certainty. We know things will get better. Our groaning is not the cry of someone abandoned by God. It is the longing of a child waiting to go home.
The apostle Paul says we wait for “the redemption of our bodies.” What a wonderful promise! God is not interested only in saving our souls. Jesus redeemed the whole person. The same body that grows tired and eventually dies will be raised in glory. On the Last Day, Christ will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. No disease. No disability. No pain. No death. Only perfect life in the presence of our Savior.
How can we be so sure? Because Jesus has already walked this path. He groaned under the weight of our sin. He endured the agony of the cross. His body was laid in a grave. But on the third day, he rose. His resurrection is God’s guarantee that ours is coming. His resurrection was the firstfruit of others to come.
Until then, we do not pretend life is easy. We bring our griefs, disappointments, and fears to our Savior. We groan and pray fervently. And we wait eagerly, knowing that every day brings us one step closer to the moment when our groans are drowned out by the song of victory that God’s children will one day sing forever.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your child through faith in Jesus. When I grow weary under the burdens of this life, strengthen my hope as I wait for the resurrection of my body and the joy of living forever in your presence. Through Jesus Christ, my risen Savior. Amen.
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed . . . the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:19,22
Creation Can’t Wait
Have you ever noticed how often the world reminds us that something isn’t right? Wildfires scorch forests. Tornadoes uproot trees. Droughts wither crops. Pretty soon, depending on where you live, the beauty of creation will fade with the changing seasons. Sometimes we speak of nature as though it is simply running its course. But the Bible tells us that creation is groaning.
It wasn’t always this way. When God completed his work of creation, he declared that everything was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). There was no death. No decay. No storms. No disease. The world reflected the perfection of its Creator. Then Adam and Eve sinned. When humanity fell, the curse reached far beyond Adam and Eve. God said, “Cursed is the ground because of you” (Genesis 3:17). Thorns and thistles appeared. Death entered. Since then, every hurricane, every broken body, every dying tree, and every cemetery has proclaimed the same truth: sin has affected everything.
Yet, there is hope. Creation is waiting for the day when Christ returns to reveal his children. The created world knows, in a way beyond our understanding, that its own freedom is tied to ours. When Jesus raises the dead and makes all things new, creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay. That means the groaning of creation is not the groan of despair but of eager expectation. Just as a mother experiences labor pains in anticipation of celebrating a new life, so does this world.
Therefore, we can look at natural disasters differently. We are not left without hope. Every time we see creation suffer, we are pointed to the One who is coming to restore it. When he does, the curse will be lifted, and we will enjoy a new creation forever. Therefore, with creation, we can’t wait.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I see the brokenness of this world, remind me that you have already conquered sin, death, and the curse. Give me confidence to endure the groaning of this present age as I wait for the glory you have promised. Amen.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
No Comparison
A diagnosis. An unexpected funeral. The loss of a job. A difficult marriage. Chronic pain. Loneliness. Anxiety. The daily struggle against temptation. The list can go far beyond the 400-word limit for this devotion.
The Bible never denies suffering. Nor does it pretend or promise that Christians have an easier life. In fact, sometimes Christians have a more difficult life because they are Christians. That’s what the Bible call the cross—suffering for the sake of our faith. But when you place our crosses alongside the crown that Christ has prepared, there is no comparison.
Imagine placing a pebble beside a mountain or a single candle beside the noon-day sun. The pebble is real. The candle gives real light. But beside something infinitely greater, they fade from view. So, too, the glory Christ won for us by his death and resurrection is so overwhelming that today’s suffering cannot be compared to tomorrow’s joy.
That doesn’t mean our pain doesn’t matter. It mattered enough that Jesus entered it himself. He carried the greatest cross ever borne—the weight of the world’s sin, the Father’s judgment, and death itself. At Calvary, our Savior wore a crown of thorns so that one day we would wear the crown of life.
Because Christ carried the cross first, your crosses are never signs that God has abandoned you. They are reminders that you are following the Savior who walked this road before you. More than that, they assure you that suffering is never the final chapter of your story.
The day is coming when tears will be wiped away, and sin will trouble you no more. Your body will be raised in glory, and you will stand forever in the presence of the One who redeemed you. Until then, fix your eyes not on the weight of today’s cross but on the certainty of tomorrow’s crown.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when the crosses of this life seem too heavy to bear, lift my eyes to the glory you have prepared for me. Remind me that you carried the greatest cross so that I might receive the crown of life. Strengthen my faith to endure with hope until the day I see you face to face. In your holy name I pray. Amen.
The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. Romans 8:19
Ten Minutes
Sometime, give yourself ten minutes. Give yourself ten minutes for a profound teaching moment.
Go to a place where you can let your eyes rest on a portion of God’s creation. If you’re near a shoreline, go to the water’s edge. If you’re near a trail that winds through a grove of trees, take a walk. If you’re driving past a scenic overlook, stop the car and put it in park. If you’re away from city lights and the night sky is clear, lie down on your back.
For ten uninterrupted minutes, let God’s creation fill your field of vision. Watch it. Observe it. Study it.
As you do, call to mind that God’s Word wants you to notice something about this portion of God’s creation. He wants you to notice that his creation is waiting.
The oceans are waiting. The lakes, rivers, and streams are waiting. The trees are waiting. The mountains and valleys are waiting. The planets, stars, and galaxies are waiting. They are all waiting, the Bible says, in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.
They are all waiting for that moment when the One through whom all things were made (John 1:3) will come back one more time. They are all waiting for the last day when all believers in Jesus will be identified. They are all waiting for that moment when the King of kings will come to roll up this broken place like an old carpet. They are all waiting for the moment when the Lord of lords will come to sweep away the presence and effects of sin once and for all.
And when your ten minutes are up, realize that the creation before you now has ten fewer minutes to wait. For the One who entered this creation on our behalf, the One who lived a sinless life in our place, the One who died to wash us clean, the One who rose from death—this very Jesus has promised to return. And he always keeps his promises.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I enjoy the beauty of your creation, let your Word show me that even your creation reminds me that you are in command, and that you will return. Amen.
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:21-25
Following Jesus
We put value on everything. How much we value someone, or something affects the decisions we make. If we value a certain piece of meat enough to pay thirteen dollars a pound for it, we buy it. If we value our pet enough to pay a thousand dollars for the surgery needed, we tell the vet to schedule the surgery.
Jesus values you more than anyone has ever valued anything. He wants to spend his eternity with you. He knew that the only way he could do this was to go to the cross and spill his blood as payment for your sins. As Jesus said, he would have to “suffer many things.” But, for Jesus it was a simple equation. Lose his life or lose you. He chose to lose his life.
And now, because of what Jesus did, all his followers will live eternally with him. Those who do not follow him will suffer separation from him forever. So, what are you willing to suffer in order to follow him? It is a simple equation. Lose him and you lose everything. Follow him at all costs. Carry whatever burden you must. Put up with whatever ridicule you must. Pass by whatever temporary pleasure you must. Follow him. Because when Jesus leads you to the glory of heaven you will exclaim, “It was worth it!”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank you that you valued me enough to suffer so much to save me. Amen.
EMMANUEL & St. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCHESWisconsin SynodMecan, WI & Montello, WISunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:00AM
WELCOME! WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!
We pray that you are blessed by God’s Word today. The order of worship is printed here, is projected on the screen, and live streamed at www.stjohnsmontello.org. Restrooms are located in the linkway, out the church entryway, to the left and down the stairs. At Emmanuel, they are located in the Parish Hall. A nursery changing station is located in the lower level of St. John’s.
UNEXPECTED TRUTHS
The opening lines of the United States Declaration of Independence boldly assert that certain truths are “self-evident”—truths accessible to human reason and widely recognized by observation of the world. Among these are that all people are created equal and possess unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The founders appealed to principles they believed reasonable people could recognize simply by reflecting on human nature and justice. These truths were meant to be obvious, clear to the mind, and persuasive in the public square. Lutherans, however, note that the most important truths revealed in the Bible are not self-evident at all. In fact, they frequently appear surprising or even contrary to human expectations. Scripture teaches that humanity is not naturally good but deeply sinful. It declares that salvation cannot be achieved through human effort but comes entirely by God’s grace. Most unexpected of all is the message that God brings forgiveness and eternal life through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Biblical truth is revealed by God rather than discovered by reason alone. While some truths may seem obvious to human judgment, the truths of the Bible are often unexpected.
CROSS COMES BEFORE CROWN
Some churches teach that if a person follows God, God responds by granting prosperity and peace, as would only be expected. Today we see how that is nonsense. The Bible explains that if we are part of the Church of God, we will have bear crosses. Believers suffer in this world, sometimes just because they are believers. Why bother? We carry our crosses in gratitude for Jesus carrying his cross, one too heavy for us because it was weighted down with our sin. We carry our crosses because we know that in those moments of struggle, we are forced to turn to Christ and rely on his strength. This is the unexpected path, the one Jesus himself walked: the cross comes before the crown.
Today’s Worship Leader: Vacancy Pastor Bruce Hanneman
OPENING HYMN: 806 Your Days And Ways To God Surrender
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
CONFESSION
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
KYRIE
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you, for your great glory, O Lord God, heav’nly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. You take away the sin of the world; receive our prayer. You sit at the right hand of God the Father; have mercy on us. For you only are holy; you only are the Lord. You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Almighty God, your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow him wherever he leads; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 15:15-21
When Jeremiah complained about carrying his cross, the Lord called on him to repent and promised salvation.
15Lord, you understand; remember me and care for me. Avenge me on my persecutors. You are long-suffering—do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for your sake. 16When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. 17I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation. 18Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails. 19Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. 20I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord. 21“I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING: Romans 8:18-25
No cross can compare with the crown of glory that is waiting.
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Your words are my joy
and my heart’s delight.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 16:21-26 (Sermon Text)
Jesus calls his Church to walk in his path. First comes the cross, then comes the crown.
21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” 24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ!
HYMN OF THE DAY: 694 Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
SERMON: Matthew 16:21-26 “Sometimes the Truth Really Hurts”
1. Painful Truth Needs to be Shared
2. So, Hurting Souls Can be Repaired
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Almighty God and Father, we thank you for all your mercies, especially for the gift of your Son, through whom you have revealed your gracious will. We praise you for the Holy Spirit and his working through the means of grace.
Plant your Word in our hearts, and cause it to produce fruit in our lives.
Strengthen and defend your Church, that by your Word and sacraments faith may grow and love toward all may increase.
Support all who spread the light of your truth throughout the world.
Keep our children in the grace of their baptisms. Enable their parents to train them in lives of faith.
Raise up Christians to serve you in the ministry of the Word and in all godly walks of life.
Preserve our nation in justice and honor. Guide and bless all who make, administer, and judge our laws.
Give them wisdom that they may promote justice and hinder evil.
Let your blessing rest on planting and harvest, commerce and industry, medicine and science, the arts and culture. Protect all who travel, and care for those whose work is difficult or dangerous.
Be with all who devote themselves to any useful task.
Comfort all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity. Remember those who suffer persecution for the faith. Have mercy on those for whom death draws near.
Grant them your love, and take them into your tender care.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved and served you, who now rest from their labors. Console those who are mourning or living with sadness.
Keep us in the true faith, and bring us at last to the joys of heaven.
Grant us these things, Father, for the sake of Jesus, who died and rose again.
Amen.
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name,thy kingdom come,thy will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive thosewho trespass against us;and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdomand the power and the gloryforever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.
The new series of daily devotions has begun. Books are available at the back of church,
Where are the Pew Attendance Books at St. Johns?
You may have noticed that pew attendance books have been removed for the time being. They will likely return in some form or another in the future. The condition of the books had deteriorated to the point that they need to be upgraded and/or replaced.
Looking ahead:
Labor Day Monday September 7th. (No School Friday Sept. 4th or Monday Sept. 7th)
Sunday School begins Sept. 13th
Calendar for August 30-September 6:
Monday 31st: Choir Practice at St. John’s, 6:00pm
Thursday 3rd: Ladies Aid Dessert and Meeting at St. John’s,
Friday 4th: No School
CALA, LL and Sunday School Singing Schedule:
9/13/26 CALA & LL at Pastor Westra’s Installation Service
9/27/26 CALA & LL at Montello/Sunday School at Montello
GriefShare Begins at St. John’s on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00pm, and meeting on the following Thursdays. GriefShare is a 13-week course. If you want to join, or have any questions, please text or call our GreifShare facilitator, Mark Emond at 608-697-1600.
Newly Elected Officers at St. John’s
At the last meeting of the church council, Jon Vote and Jamie Stelter were elected as president and vice president of St. John’s. Congratulations to both. Pray for them and give them your support in the coming year. Other current council members are Aaron Wachholz, Jake Jaster, Chad Hunter, Matt Kath, Jeff Reimer (treasurer), James Wachholz (secretary) and a CALA board representative.
Area WELS Seniors Area seniors are invited to St. Stephen’s in Fall River on Tuesday, September 8th. We will meet in the church basement for a potluck meal at noon. After the dinner and devotion, we will have a presentation on “The terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001.” After the talk, people can recall their memories of that day. This month marks the 25th Anniversary. “Where were you that day?” All are welcome! Bring a friend!
A BRAND-NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL YEARbegins September 13! Assisting parents in their God-given responsibility of training their children in the Lord is a JOY for our Sunday School staff! In this sin-scared world, shouldn’t we take every opportunity to help our children build a firm spiritual foundation? Why not use Sunday School as one of those opportunities to help your child(ren) grow, and at the same time grow in your own faith by attending Sunday morning Adult Bible Class. Sunday School has open doors . . . open enrollment . . . no registration necessary . . . members & non-members . . . public school & day school … and a special invitation to our current Little Lamb students . . . ALL ARE WELCOME . . . starting at age 3. Students are encouraged “to be an Andrew” and bring a friend!
Installation of Pastor Charles Westra
Sunday, September 13th at 2:00PM
Installation Sunday is fast approaching! All members and friends of Emmanuel and St. John’s will want to be here for this historical day as we begin to write a new chapter in the history of our parish! Let’s give a warm welcome to the Westra’s, their family and friends, as well as clergy and guests from neighboring congregations who will join us … Vacancy Pastor Bruce Hanneman will serve as worship leader. Pastor Matthew Crass, president of Luther Prep School in Watertown, and close friend Pastor Westra, will be the festival preacher. President of our Northern Wisconsin District, Pastor Kevin Westra will read the Rite of Installation. He also happens to be the brother of our pastor-elect…. Robert Mateske, a 1965 graduate of our school, will serve as organist. Our choir will sing (see below) and our school faculty will be preparing our school children to sing as well.
An Installation Choir will be part of the afternoon installation worship. Our Emmanuel/St. John’s choir members will sing and they want to invite all past choir members and anyone who likes to sing to join the choir in this one-time worship. Our rehearsals will be on Monday Aug. 31st at 6:00pm at St. John’s. If you cannot make the rehearsals, copies of the music can be available for personal/home practice.
A Post-Worship informal reception is being planned to follow the installation worship and will be held in the Linkway/Gym area. *** Members are being asked to provide desserts. *** Also, helpers are being sought to help carry and set up tables and chairs on Saturday morning the 12th beginning at 9:00AM.
Welcome Gifts for the Westra’s
A gift basket has been put out at both churches for those who would like to welcome Pastor and Deb Westra in a tangible way. Cards expressing support and God’s blessings are welcomed as are monetary gifts or various gift cards. Please pray for and support the Westra’s as they make the transition to their new life among us, our parish, and our community. The gift basket will be out today and gifts can also be left at the church office after today.
“Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay aside in store as God hath prospered him, “
Stewardship of the Word Last Week:
Sunday Worship at Emmanuel 75 and at St. John’s 89
Hebrews 10:25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have the habit of doing. Rather, let us encourage each other, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Stewardship of Gifts andOfferings at St. John’s
Beginning September 1, our dual parish will begin supporting a fulltime pastor. That reflects a major change. For a year we have supported part-time and donated pastoral ministry. God has blessed us with a Shepherd, and everyone will be needed to play a part in supporting him and his ministry among us. God help us do that.
2026-27 Fiscal Year Summary (1 month, ending July 31): July marked the first month of the new fiscal year. Member offerings were quite low, at 26% under budget. Two factors helped offset this. Firstly, Emmanuel’s quarterly cost-sharing check for April-June was received along with both of their CALA-support checks for June and July. Secondly, expenses were 13% under budget. Book equity (assets minus dedicated account obligations) remained in positive territory and continued to improve. The expense budget will reflect higher numbers in the next months as student scholarship(s) will be awarded. in August and Pastor Westra’s compensation begins in September. However, the 2026-27 fiscal year budget projects an unfavorable $50K year-end shortfall.
The regular first fruit giving is a Holy Spirit driven fruit of faith.
Our Stewardship of Time:
This week ushers at St. John’s are: Matthew Kath, Martin Schmanke, Glenn Bubloz and Dan Finger. The St. John’s ushers for Sept. 6 are: James Wachholz, Zeb Zuehls, Chuck Boetcher, Jesse Schable, Aaron Wachholz, Wally Wolsdorf.
Welcome to Our Visitors – Help Us Stay In Touch
Scan the barcode using your smartphone camera and fill out the prompted information…OR… fill out the attendance card located at the end of each pew and place it in the offering plate
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 16:19
An Open Door
Have you ever been locked out? Perhaps you forgot your keys or found yourself standing outside a door you could not open.
Jesus used the image of keys to describe one of the greatest gifts he gives: the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Keys open doors. The “keys of the kingdom” open the door to God’s forgiveness through the message of Jesus Christ.
That may sound surprising. Many people assume Christianity is mostly about rules. The Bible certainly teaches right and wrong, but its central message is not, “Here are the rules.” Its central message is, “Here is your Savior.”
Jesus came to unlock the prison of guilt, shame, and death. He offers forgiveness freely because he has already paid for our sins on the cross. No one is beyond his mercy. No mistake is too great. No past is too broken. Wherever the good news of Jesus is proclaimed, the door to God’s grace is opened.
What an incredible privilege it is to use these keys. The greatest gift we can offer another person is not advice, entertainment, or even friendship, important as those are. The greatest gift is Jesus Christ himself. The good news about Jesus Christ is “the power of God for salvation” because God himself works through his Word.
The world offers countless temporary solutions. Jesus offers everlasting forgiveness.
The world promises self-improvement. Jesus gives a new creation.
The world speaks about success. Jesus speaks peace to guilty consciences.
Someone you know needs that peace today. Perhaps God is inviting you to be the one who opens the conversation, extends the invitation, or shares the promise of forgiveness in Christ.
The keys are meant to be used. Open the door with joy. “For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:13).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for opening the door to God’s forgiveness. Help me trust in the gift you freely offer and lead me to know the joy of belonging to you. Amen.
“The gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18
Hope that Defeats Fear
Jesus promised, “The gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Jesus never promised his church an easy path. Christians experience persecution, temptation, suffering, and spiritual warfare. Satan constantly seeks to discourage believers and undermine the gospel. Yet Jesus assures us that hell itself cannot overcome his church.
Notice that the gates belong to hell. Gates are defensive. Jesus Christ is advancing his kingdom as his gospel reaches hearts throughout the world. Satan cannot imprison those whom Jesus has redeemed and set free.
That promise extends personally to every believer. There are days when guilt weighs heavily on us. We remember sins we wish we could erase. The devil whispers that God could never forgive someone like us.
But Jesus has already answered those accusations. Through his death and resurrection, he has defeated sin, death, and Satan. The enemy may accuse, but he cannot condemn those who belong to Jesus Christ.
This confidence enables Christians to live courageously. We need not fear the future because our Savior reigns. We need not fear death because Jesus has conquered the grave. We need not fear Satan because Jesus has already won the victory.
Perhaps you’ve spent much of your life trying to avoid thinking about death or eternity. Jesus invites you to face those questions honestly—not with fear, but with hope. He came precisely because death is our greatest enemy. By dying and rising again, he has opened the way to eternal life for all who trust in him.
The Christian message is not that good people earn heaven. It is that Jesus has opened heaven through his death and resurrection. That is a hope worth exploring. As the Bible says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)
Whenever fear threatens your heart, return to Christ’s promise. The battle belongs to him, and he has already secured the outcome.
Prayer:
Jesus, my Savior, when fear and temptation surround me, remind me that you have defeated every enemy. Keep me confident in your promises and steadfast until eternal victory is fully revealed. Amen.
(Jesus said) “I will build my church.” Matthew 16:18
A Church Built by Jesus
Many people have mixed feelings about the Christian Church. Some have wonderful memories. Others have painful ones. Some think churches are full of hypocrites. Others wonder whether organized religion is even necessary.
Jesus knew his followers would not be perfect. Peter himself would later deny knowing Jesus three times. Yet Jesus still said, “I will build my church.” Notice that he did not say, “People will build my church.” The Church belongs to Jesus. Christians are not gathered because they are better than everyone else. They are gathered because they know they need forgiveness.
A hospital is filled with sick people, not because sickness is good, but because healing is needed. The Church is much the same. It is a place where people hear God’s promises, receive his forgiveness, and grow in faith together.
Sometimes Christians and Christian churches become discouraged. We may wonder whether our efforts matter. Jesus reminds us that the Church’s foundation is not human wisdom, popularity, or impressive programs. The Church stands on the confession that “Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Wherever Jesus Christ is faithfully preached, there his church is found.
Buildings may crumble. Congregations may struggle. Cultures change. Yet Jesus Christ continues to build his church through his gospel.
The foundation of your own faith is equally secure. Your confidence is not in your consistency or strength, but in Jesus Christ’s unchanging promise. He remains faithful even when his people struggle.
So, if you have stayed away because Christians have disappointed you, remember this: Christianity is not built upon perfect people. It is built upon a perfect Savior. Jesus gave his life for imperfect people. He welcomes doubters, failures, and sinners.
When you visit a faithful Christian congregation, you should not expect to find flawless people. Instead, you should expect to hear about a flawless Savior who loves broken people enough to die for them. That is the Church Jesus Christ continues building today.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me look beyond the imperfections of people and see you. Lead me to a church where your Word is faithfully taught and where I may grow in knowing you. Amen.
Jesus replied . . . “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:17
Faith Is a Gift
Many people think becoming a Christian is simply a matter of deciding to believe.
Jesus tells a different story. After Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus said this understanding did not come from Peter’s own intelligence or effort. God had revealed it to him.
That is encouraging news. Jesus does not tell you to manufacture faith by trying harder. Instead, Christianity teaches that God comes to us. He speaks to us through his Word. He reveals his Son. He creates faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, where there was none before. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17).
Think about every important relationship in your life. You only know another person because they chose to reveal themselves to you. The same is true of God. We cannot climb our way up to him. He must come down to us. And in Jesus, he has done just that.
That is why Christians gather around the Bible. We believe it is God’s own message, revealing his love through Jesus Christ.
The wonderful news is that God is not hiding from you. He wants you to know him. He wants you to know that your sins are forgiven because of Jesus. He wants you to know that death is not the end. He wants you to know that you are invited into his family—not because you have earned it, but because he loves you.
As you face today’s challenges, remember that your hope rests not in the strength of your faith, but in the object of your faith—Jesus Christ himself. He is the Rock of your salvation, the One who never changes, and the Savior who keeps all his promises (see Psalm 18:1-2).
So, keep reading the Bible, asking your questions honestly, and being filled with the Word of God at a faithful Christian church. God has a history of meeting people through his Word.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, reveal your Son to me. Help me understand the message of the Bible and lead me to trust in Jesus as my Savior. Amen.
