Growing Roots

Cutting down a tree usually doesn’t take that much time if you have a good chain saw and lumberjack skills. Removing the stump of the tree, well, that’s a different matter. Stump removal doesn’t require much talent, but it always demands a lot of hard work. And that’s because of the roots. Over the years the roots of a healthy tree plunge downward and spread out, looking for precious water to nourish the trunk and limbs. To make it even more difficult, a tree has several large root networks originating at the bottom of the stump. Those roots are what keep the tree upright, even in the most violent winds. Hurricanes might break trees in two, but rarely is a tree uprooted. Plain and simple, roots are essential to the health and well-being of any tree.

As Christians we need to sink our spiritual roots deep into Christ. Each day we face the storms of problems, suffering and temptations. To weather those assaults, our root system must be well developed, feeding our faith and holding us firm. During his ministry, Jesus gave his followers two powerful ways to grow strong spiritual roots – the sacraments of Baptism and Communion.

While most Christians are pretty familiar with these sacred acts, are we benefitting from them as much as Jesus intends? Throughout most his life, Martin Luther lived in danger of being killed by a variety of people who believed he was better off dead than alive. To face this kind of stress on a daily basis, Luther talked much about the strength and comfort he received from his baptism and by regularly taking Communion. Do you find yourself spiritually feeling more like a ship tossed about on a tumultuous sea rather than a sturdy oak tree withstanding tornado force gusts? Join us this weekend for one of our services. Together let’s celebrate what God offers us in the sacraments. More than that, let’s use them to grow the roots of our faith.

Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am

Roles

The saying, “Everybody has a role to play,” refers to the importance of people carrying out their unique responsibility in a given situation and restraining themselves from taking on a function that was not assigned to them. When someone does overstep their bounds by trying to do something they weren’t trained to do, the consequences are often disastrous.

For the last two thousand years, there has been a struggle in society to define the proper roles of the Christian Church and political governments. This has been called the “Church and State” debate. At times the Church has seized the authority of political governments and ended up losing its mission of representing Christ on earth. At other times governments have tried to eliminate Christianity and the result has been genocide.

One of the great Reformation themes deal with the God-given division of duties of the Christian Church and political governments. The rediscovery of the Bible teachings regarding Church and State has revolutionized Western civilization since that time. While this topic may seem to be something from the dust pile of history, it remains an explosive issue today. From those who would remove every vestige of God from the public forum to the growing influence of Islam which sees no separation between religion and the State, there are many conflicting views. It’s important for the informed Christian to know what the Bible says. You’re invited to join us for one of our weekend services.

Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am