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October 2015 --
Life Issue
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Pastor's Message
Dear Friends in Christ,
When Jesus was asked by a man who wished to justify himself, What is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied, "Love the Lord you God with all our heart, soul mind and strength, and the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself." In this way, Jesus was saying there is no room for you to have any other gods in your life than the one true God. Love Him, follow Him, be devoted to Him and trust in His promises for your forgiveness and salvation. As a Christian you are called to a life of discipleship.
This TLO Disciple is our first monthly newsletter under the new electronic format. Along with a new name, TLO Disciple has a new focus. Each month TLO Disciple will carry a specific theme to help you grow in discipleship to Jesus. For those who prefer, TLO Disciple is available in print.
This month's focus is Life. A month ago I was appointed Life Coordinator for the Minnesota South District by President Nadasdy. Each of the 35 Districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is encouraged to appoint a Life Coordinator. In this position I have been asked to work with a District Public Policy Committee and Lutherans for Life to assist in communicating with congregations in the District what resources and events are happening regarding life issues.
Martin Luther wrote these words: "I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen." God is calling His church to stand for what is true, what is right, what is honorable. He calls us to stand for what is good and righteous and to stand against those who would teach what is false. It took great courage for Luther.
It takes great courage in our day to stand for what is right regarding life issues. God is love. Christ gave up His life for the sins of the world. Dr. James Lamb writes, "The devil uses many schemes to erode our faith, and we err greatly if we exclude abortion and the increasing receptivity of assisted suicide from his arsenal. Worse, we become co-schemers when we consign such assaults on life to the political or social realm and do not stand against them as spiritual forces of evil." Through faith in Jesus, we can take a stand against the devil's attacks and schemes.
God has created each life. He created you. He has redeemed each life. He has redeemed you. He desires to call each life into an eternal relationship with Him through Jesus. He desires you to be in eternal fellowship with Him. The message that God in Christ has restored us to life sends the devil fleeing. Let us take a stand for the truth and speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves for Jesus' sake.
Pastor James Kroonblawd
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Ministry Spotlight
--Lutherans for Life
Our Mission ...
Equipping Lutherans to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life.
Our Vision ...
Every Lutheran, both individually and in community, upholding the God-given value of human life and influencing society to do the same.
Our Philosophy ...
Lutherans For Life believes that the Church is compelled by God's Word to speak and act on behalf of those who are vulnerable and defenseless. The crisis of our times is the repudiation of Biblical truth manifested in the wanton destruction of innocent human life through legalized abortion-on-demand and the growing threat to the lives of others through legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia. Therefore, as Lutherans For Life, we will strive to give a Gospel-motivated witness, to the Church and society on these and other related issues such as chastity, post abortion healing, and family living. We will call God's people to compassionate action and foster life-affirming alternatives for those facing difficult situations. Learn more at the
Lutherans For Life website.
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Ministry Spotlight
--Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center
Since 1991,
Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center has provided Christ-centered, compassionate and free services to women and men who are facing an unplanned pregnancy in their lives. Caring, Biblical lay-counseling services come along side a woman in crisis by explaining the sanctity of human life, sharing the Gospel message, and providing much-needed, practical assistance throughout her pregnancy. Since our inception, Amnion CPC has assisted over 15,000 women in crisis.
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Event Highlights
Join TLO in support of Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center
Changing Hearts, Saving Lives
"I was scared and needed to find out if I was pregnant. I went online and found out about Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center's free services for women facing unplanned pregnancies. I was relieved that I could get in right away for a pregnancy test and ultrasound.
Due to my situation, I was unsure about what choice I would make when I first came to Amnion. I felt so alone and confused until I went there and talked with my counselor who listened and was very caring. After I saw my baby on the ultrasound, I totally changed my mind and decided to have my baby. I was so happy that my counselor helped me find hope throughout my entire pregnancy. My beautiful daughter Savannah was born on November 7, 2014. Thank you for helping me to make the right choice!" --Amy Erstad
Save the Date
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Media Related
The Drop Box
tells the story of South Korean pastor Lee Jong-rak and his heroic efforts to embrace and protect the most vulnerable members of society. It is a heart-wrenching exploration of the physical, emotional and financial toll associated with providing refuge to orphans that would otherwise be abandoned on the streets. But
The Drop Box
movie is also a story of
hope
-a reminder that every human life is sacred and worthy of love.
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Quote
"We can't stop all evil in this fallen world, but we can fight it in our own neck of the woods with love. Love never ends. Love can save lives. Love declares that there is no such thing as an unwanted child."
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Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -
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Editor's note
TLO Disciple, with a topical study in each issue, is distributed primarily via email on the first of every month. Print copies are available by contacting the TLO Church office at 651-454-7235 or the Church Office via email.
Calendars, volunteer information, serving groups and the like will accompany the TLO Together, on the last Wednesday of the month. This issue is also mailed upon request.
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2950 Highway 55
Eagan MN 55121
651-454-7235
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