Worship: Sunday 9:00 AM Bible Class to follow

GOD’S ENCOURAGING WORD – when I am lonely

Shortly after we were married, my wife and I planned a trip to Spain. In order to take advantage of some frequent-flyer miles, I decided to travel there a few days early by myself. Being young and naïve, I figured I could learn enough Spanish on the plane to get by and then find a place to stay when I got there. The flight was pleasant and we landed safely. However, by the time I got my luggage and figured out how to take the Metro into central Madrid, it was already getting late. After several hours of wandering around the city, I began to realize that 1) my Spanish was unintelligible, 2) I was not in the safest part of town, 3) it was very difficult to find anyone who spoke English, and 4) I needed a place to sleep. Finally, at around one o’clock in the morning I found a hotel manager who spoke enough English to get me a room that was about the size of a closet.

Over the course of the next several days, I have never felt more alone. I could not carry on a conversation with anyone and struggled to even do simple things like order food. Because of the language and cultural barrier, I was a stranger in a strange place.

But it doesn’t take traveling to a foreign country to feel alone. Sometimes we feel alone because we miss loved ones and just want to share one more conversation or one more memory with them. Sometimes we feel alone because we just don’t feel like there is anyone who understands our pain or our problems. At times we can feel all alone, even when surrounded by people, because it just seems like no one really cares about us.

It goes without saying that no one likes to feel lonely. The only thing worse than feeling lonely, is feeling lonely with the burden of shame or guilt. Thankfully, Jesus came to be with us. The truth is that each one of us deserved to be left alone, because each one of us has separated ourselves from a holy God by our sins. But instead of leaving us alone, God himself drew near to us. So near, that he took all of our sin and guilt and shame upon himself. He gave his life on the cross to take it all away, so that we would never have to be alone.

Yes, there will be times that we feel all alone here on earth. But we don’t have to. Our Savior who died and rose from the dead promises, “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He gave his life to make it happen and his Word to guarantee it forever.

- From the WELS Outreach newsletter

10203 W. Tieton Drive, Yakima WA 98908 Isaac P. Cherney, Pastorwww.redeemer-yakima.org (262) 204-8027

FEBRUARY 2018See http://www.redeemer-yakima.org/#/calendarnews for

most recently updated calendarSun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat

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9:00am Worship10:30am Bible Study

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7:00pm Bible Information Class “Sin and Grace”

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4:30 pmCatechism

8 9 10

7:00am Elders9:00am“Dying to Live” Study

FEBRUARY 2018See http://www.redeemer-yakima.org/#/calendarnews for

most recently updated calendarSun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat11

9:00am Worship(Communion)10:30am Bible Study

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7:00pm Bible Information Class “Our Savior”

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6:00pmLadies BibleStudy at Redeemer

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4:30 pmCatechism5:30 Soup Supper7:00 Worship

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7:00pmChurch Council

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9:00 Worship 10:30 Bible Study

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4:30 pmCatechism5:30 Soup Supper7:00 Worship

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259:00am Worship(Communion)10:30am Bible Study

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6:00pmLadies BibleStudy at Redeemer

284:30 pmCatechism5:30 Soup Supper7:00 Worship

DATE ATTENDANCE MINISTRATIONS -EVENTS OFFERINGS

Sunday, January 7, 2018 83 4 January 12, Memorial Service for John Hardison $3,554.00Sunday, January 14, 2018 83 10 26 $3,439.00Sunday, January 21, 2018 99 4 Voter's Meeting Baptism & Confirmation of Jarrod Bates $3,227.00Sunday, January 28, 2018 79 26 $3,368.00

The First Commandment: A Look at the Trinity

By Matthew Johnson

“And God spoke all these words:‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods

before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in

the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.’” Exodus 20:1-6

As mentioned previously there are three basic numbering systems concerning the Ten Commandments. There is the Lutheran/Catholic numbering system, a Jewish numbering system, and a system for the other Christian churches.1 As this article is written for an assumed Lutheran audience, we will investigate the commandments using the Lutheran/Catholic numbering system. The first commandment, shown above, is the longest of all of the ten. This could be why it is split into two parts in the two other numbering systems. This commandment is a point of contention between Jews and Christians.

The accusation against Christianity is that we are polytheistic (believe in multiple gods), pointing to the Trinity as a triangle of gods. Additionally, there are cults that interpret this commandment in such a way as to justify their own doctrines; teachings that deny the deity of Jesus. In this article we will look at how the Bible supports our view of the Trinity and our monotheistic beliefs. From a biblical viewpoint we can refute any accusation of idolatry that may be levied by skeptics.

We believe in one God. Our God has three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), but one being, or essence, and that one being is the God we worship. We see in Scripture that in the beginning there were all three persons. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless

and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:1-2)

Additionally, John tells us that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him [Jesus] all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1-3) Here we see that all three persons were present at creation. The John passage is also a key point with our Jehovah Witness friends. They have published their own translation of the Bible (the New World Translation), which caters to their beliefs. For example in John 1:1 they say that “The Word was a god.” It is amazing how a single letter can completely change the meaning and can be used to support a false doctrine, like that of the Jehovah Witness church claiming Jesus was a created being,

We also see all three persons of the Trinity present at Jesus’ baptism. Matthew shares the account of Jesus’ baptism like this, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17) Here we see Jesus the son in the water, the Holy Spirit in the dove, and the Father in

1 http://www.sundaysoftware.com/ten/number.htm shows a diagram of these different systems.

the voice. In this way we can see that all three persons are present at the same time. This is not a God who wears different masks to play a role of Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. Rather, he is eternally present in all three persons.

Scripture also assigns deity, personality, and distinctiveness on all three of the persons of the trinity. Here we come to the point where some may say, “See you worship three gods!” This is not the case. We use Scripture to show that there is only one God. Speaking through Isaiah, God tells us that, “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols…There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.” (Isaiah 42:8& 45:21) This is where we can show our Mormon friends that there is only one God. Jesus is not “a god,” he is the creator with the Father and the Holy Spirit. We have no ambition to become gods, because we know that there is only one God, and we worship Him alone.

Taking a note from Luther’s Catechism: We ask, “How do we give glory to God above all things?” (35). We are shown seven examples of people in the Bible putting God ahead of all things. We remember the three men who willingly went into the furnace rather than worship the image Nebuchadnezzar had set up (Daniel 3:1-18). Joseph obeyed God rather than Potiphar’s wife, even though it would get him thrown in prison (Genesis 39:1-9). Moses held God as more important than all the riches and fame he could have had in Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26). Similarly, Abraham held God as more important than even his only son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). Abraham also trusted God by allowing Lot to have the first choice of the land (Genesis 13), Daniel trusted God to protect him from the lions and chose to pray to God rather than obey the decrees of man (Daniel 6:1-23). We also see that David trusted God to help him in the battle with Goliath (1 Samuel 17:32-50). In these examples we can see that we give glory to God by placing Him, his word and commands, above all other things and trusting in Him alone for help in our times of need.

We also find in Scripture many instances where the people fell away and followed after idols. Aaron made the golden calf for the people (Exodus 32). King Ahab led the people into Baal worship (1

Kings 18:17-39). All through the Kings and Chronicles we hear about Kings who did “evil in the eyes of the LORD,” or “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” Look at the cases in these individual books and see that as the people fell away from God, they lost their blessings and would be disciplined by God, ultimately, resulting in their exile.

Looking at all these negative examples, we’re tempted to compare ourselves and say, “I am good. I don’t have a wood or gold idol in my home. I do not bow down and worship other gods.” However, an idol is anything that we hold above God. Do you catch yourself holding sports above God? How about money? Free time? Even your family? Jesus tells us that, “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37) These are heavy words. Jesus lost many disciples after saying this, but as John recounts, “From this time many of the disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the twelve. Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:67-68) Jesus is the only way to heaven. Your mother and father cannot save you. Only Jesus has paid the price. Putting your faith in anything or anyone else, or holding anything above Jesus, is idolatry.

Wow, intense words! The truth can hurt. This is not to say you should hate others, by no means, we are called to love each other. However, if we neglect spending time with God in prayer and reading His Word, and we do not gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ, because we hold something else as more important, we may be at risk of falling into idolatry. This is not to say that you can never watch the Seahawks, or get together with your family. Talk to God and determine when and where he wants to meet with you, and do not let anything else get in the way. Facebook can wait; TV can wait, whatever it is, it can wait.

This is not a burden to bear, worrying if you are spending enough time with God. Scripture shows it. Remember Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and

humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) May God bless your work of putting aside all your gods and serving Him alone.

Matt serves on the Outreach Committee and as Council Secretary at Redeemer.

For Those Left BehindBy John Hardison

Editor’s Note: In January our merciful God brought John to be with him in heaven. We thank our Lord for this Christian companion during our earthly pilgrimage and pray that God be with all those who mourn this loss. John contributed numerous articles to the church newsletter and this selection from “Under God’s Sky” is a great example of the Christian attitude and focus we all hope to enjoy and share.

As Ruth and I entered later middle age, we foundt hat we were attending more and more funerals for loved ones and people we knew. Every day we were faced with evidence of our own mortality. When people ask how I am doing, I often respond jokingly, “Every morning I check the obituaries in the paper. If I am not there, I figure I am good for another day!” That usually gets a smile. But down deep I know that as each day goes by, I am one day closer to home.

When we are young, the end of life seems so far away, we barely pay attention to it. With youth

comes the feeling of invincibility. But age brings a reality check. Perhaps that is why we see a higher percentage of older people in church. The Lord allots to each of us a certain time of grace on this earth. He knows the number of our days. As we age, we come to realize that many of those days have already been used.

Easter is a good time to look to the end of our lives on earth, because Easter promises a better life beyond death. When we lose a loved one or a friend, we may have a hard time understanding why. But if our loved one knew that Jesus is the Savior, we know

that he or she is now in a happier, better place with the Lord.

When one such loss touched our lives a few years ago, Ruth wrote this poem:

For Those Left Behind

It is hard to understand the Lord’s callingIn terms of or loved one’s going and our staying.

But the Lord’s love is ever presentIn his Word and in the friendship and love

Of friends and family.

We grieve for our loved ones because we miss them and want to be with them. Beause we have the promise of Easter, we know we will see our Christian friends again one day. Because Christ died for our sins and rose again, all believers have eternal life through him.

Yes, the last day of our lives steps closer every day. That truth reminds us of our all-important task of pointing our friends and loved ones to Jesus and his saving grace all throughout

their lives. And as we speak to others of the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus, we trust that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts.

We also look for opportunities to care for members of our church family by comforting others when loved ones are lost. We have the one gift that can truly give comfort, even in the deepest sorrow. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)

Q & A with Pastor: Free Will, Part II

Question: Lutheranism emphasizes God’s grace; that his undeserved love saves us from sinful nature and unbelief. How does the concept of our own “free will” play in?

In the conversation on God’s grace relating to our free will, it’s easy to get confused based on our experience or ideas on what the free will is and does. Allow us to let Scripture take the wheel. By this method God gives us the instruction on when to recognize free will as present and active and when to recognize it as absent and powerless.

The place to start, as mentioned last month, is our condition pre-conversion. Jesus was not exaggerating when he said, “Apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5),” nor was Paul putting things in extreme terms when he said salvation is naturally a “stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23).” The climate and condition into which God enters with his grace is one of spiritual devastation: our free

will is incapable of following God’s commands or appreciating the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is what makes God’s declaration through Paul so powerful in Romans 5: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Sinners are defined by a nature, a will, that is hostile to God and resists salvation through him. That natural will met its match in our Savior, Jesus, and his sacrifice for us. Now we can call the gospel ours; know it, appreciate it, grow in it, and share it.

This transition, called “conversion,” clearly shows the Holy Spirit overcoming our sinful will. The notion of a believer’s decision to initiate that change is found nowhere in Scripture and only attempts to rob God of his due credit. Simply put:

there’s no room for our free will participating in our conversion…

… but it certainly has a role post-conversion. Philippians 2:13 tells us, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” The marvelous change God made in us by his salvation work now inspires a will that

confirms to his, seeks to work according to his good purpose, and cooperates with the Holy Spirit to fight temptation and lead others to know the same saving truth for themselves. Pick up March’s newsletter to see how our post-conversion gift of a Christian will can apply itself to God’s commands to his glory!