As I write this, it is minus 6 degrees outside, but the sun is shining brightly, and the sky is blue. It is a beautiful day, yet the outside temperature is dangerous for prolonged exposure. Schools are closed, and our church activities are cancelled. It is kind of a dichotomy, which is a glaring contrast between two things.
It reminds me what Martin Luther said about all of us as Christians. He said we were "saints and sinners" at the same time. How can that be? Sounds like another dichotomy, another glaring contrast.
What Luther meant was that human beings are born into a sinful world, but Jesus has adopted us through the waters of baptism. As humans, we tend to focus on ourselves. But the Holy Spirit leads us out of our comfort zones to serve others in need. As humans, we tend to make many mistakes in our lives. But the holy cross of Jesus has redeemed us and saved us. Thus, we are sinners who have been made saints by the holy blood of Jesus. Every week at the Eucharist table, we are reminded that we are forgiven, and nothing can ever separate us from God's love.
As we walk in the light of Christ, may the Holy Spirit lead us to share the Good News in word and deed, especially with those who have no hope. By doing so, we are participating in the inbreaking of God's kingdom, here and now. And we do so, as a saint and sinner at the same time, to make God's love known through the Crucified and Risen Christ.
Serving with you, in Christ,
Pastor Todd +
P.S.
Challenge Yourself to Read the Bible
in One Year -
Here is the link to a year-long list of bible readings. If followed, you will have read the entire bible. I hope you will join me and others in the Northwestern Ohio Synod this year as we celebrate the Year of Scripture.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and
a light unto my path" - Psalm 119:105
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HERE!
