From Pastor Ken
Growing Deeper
Words are powerful. They can deepen our faith. I share two quotes you heard in sermons last month.
The first is a prayer: “Full of trust we run to you O Lord and put our lives into your hands.”
We may not always trust or always run to him, but we are growing deeper in faith and learning to put the decisions and events of our lives into the hands of our Lord. See the whole prayer on the prayer card available in the narthex on the table.
The second quote is from Apostle Paul: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20
Memorize that and remember if the next time you face a challenge. Our God is bigger, better, and far more able and willing to help than we dare imagine.
From Pastor John
Life Groups
“The Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing…”
Matthew 11:12
Church people today love to debate whether Christ’s Kingdom is growing or declining, advancing or retreating. The right answer from this and many Scriptures is that we already know the Kingdom is advancing and nobody can stop it, despite the best efforts of all that oppose God. Victory belongs to our Lord and all that He set out to do will be accomplished very soon.
The real question is whether we are advancing together with Jesus and His Kingdom. Here at Black Forest Lutheran Church, I am happy to observe that, by God’s Grace, we are moving along with Christ on His mission of love.
I would like to announce something by way of telling you all one of my favorite things to do: Getting together with my favorite people (fellow Christians), having good biblical conversations, good food, good prayer, and good fellowship, in the same way Christ did with His disciples and us Christians have been doing ever since. It is a great time! We are calling these “Life Groups”.
Life Groups at Black Forest Lutheran Church are intended to share the Gospel of Jesus and help each other grow in their faith and commitment to Christ. The program is simple. Each month, groups of 8-12 will meet for food, prayer, fellowship, and learn how to grow in and commit to sharing the Gospel.
Is God calling you to take that next step in your walk to learn how — and take action – in living out the Gospel with others?”
My prayer is that your answer will be “yes”. Watch for the launch of Life Groups in September 2021.
Pastor John
Read the full Scribe below….