Welcome to St. John Lutheran Church-LCMC

 Greetings to you in the name of Christ! My prayer for each of you is that during this year, you will be intentional in sharing with others the joy of knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I challenge you to daily find two people with whom you can share the hope that you have in Jesus Christ. Remember the words of Peter, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV) With all of life’s trials and challenges, it is easy to become focused on the problems of our everyday lives. We need to be reminded that Christ gives us the victory for eternity and that He gives us hope and help for each day. Sharing hope with two people is not a lot, but it is a start. Just think of how you could impact someone’s life with the joy of Jesus!

Christ has given us the command to witness. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15 NIV) With His command, He calls us to share His love and invite people to learn and grow in His love and forgiveness. I am reminded of the question in our catechism that asks, “What do the Scriptures teach about our life in the church?” (--LSC. Q. 179) Reflect on these four answers and some of the Bible passages that they quote:

A. we should seek always to be and remain members of the invisible church, Christ’s body, by sincere faith in Christ, our Savior;

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV)

B. we should be faithful to that visible church, or denomination, which professes and teaches all of the Bible’s doctrine purely and administers the sacraments according to Christ’s institution;

“If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32 NIV)

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Cor. 1:10 NIV)

C. we should avoid false teachers, false churches, and all organizations that promote a religion that is contrary to God’s Word;

“The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Tim. 4:3 NIV)

D. we should maintain and extend God’s church by telling others about Jesus Christ, by personal service, and by prayer and financial support.

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

It is our privilege and our opportunity to help those around us know the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. We work together to take this great message of the Savior’s story to the ends of the earth. Each day, be intentional about sharing God’s love for you with others. Indeed, I look forward to your faithful participation in God’s house here at St. John. May God bless you as you seek to share the love of Jesus!

In Christ,

Pastor Jeffrey D. Geske