Bethlehem Lutheran Ministries

What Do You Want?

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 15:03:46 GMT

What We Want Isn't Always What God Gives Us... and That's Okay

What is it you want most in life?

What are you most afraid of losing?

Abram wanted a son.

Abram had good reason to hope for a son. God had specifically promised to give him one. Abram also had “good” reasons to doubt that promise. He was 99 years old. His wife was 89.

Abram was afraid.

“The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.

I am your shield,

your very great reward.”

(Genesis 15:1)

A shield blocks the arrows, spears, and swords that would otherwise kill a soldier. The LORD promised to defend Abram from Satan’s attacks. What Satan most wants to kill is faith in God. Satan whispered to Abram year after year, “God said he would give you a son. Well? Where is he? Do you really think God would keep a promise like that for a person like you?”

A son would have been a great reward, but even if God hadn’t given Abram a son, he had someone far greater. He had God—the source of “ every good and perfect gift ” (James 1:17). God is the perfect gift-giver—but the greatest gift is to have him as your friend and Father.

Are you afraid? Afraid God might not keep his promises to you? Afraid God might take away that person you could not imagine living life without? You don’t need to be.

God loves you so much. I know Satan whispers in your ear, “Does he?” He’s a liar. If God did not love you, he would not have given up his Son, his only Son, whom he loves, for you. He would not have paid such a costly price to forgive your debt to him.

Will he give you what you most deeply want in life? I don’t know.

Will he take away that person or thing you are most afraid of losing? Yes, one day.

But the God who gave you these people and things to love for a time also gave you Jesus and the faith to believe in what Christ did for you on the cross. So you know no matter what you lose, he’s not losing you.

Abram was still afraid. So God took him out under the night sky. He had him look up and try to count the stars. “ So shall your offspring be ,” God said (Genesis 15:5).

Abram believed God.

You believe him, too. By faith, you are one of those stars Abram counted that night. By faith, you are one of Abram's offspring. You are a sign that God has and will always keep his promises.

Don’t be afraid.

God is your shield, and your very great reward.

Not Conformed—Transformed

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 15:19:34 GMT

Whether Republican, Democrat, Libertarian—You're a Christian First

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2

I don’t know if you know this, but there’s an election coming up. Maybe you haven’t noticed the yard signs and flags and calls on social media to vote. Maybe you haven’t been getting the constant phone calls and mailings.

You probably have.

I’ve heard and seen a lot of political statements lately. A lot of them are mean-spirited. A lot of them misrepresent what the other side is saying. A lot of them are kind of whiny, to be honest. A lot of them are coming from Christians.

Now (as always) it’s important to listen carefully to others who disagree with us so we understand what they’re saying. As Christians, we’re well-equipped to listen and love because we know that even if everything appears to be going against us, God is for us. Jesus is ruling over all things for the Church’s good. We’re guaranteed the victory in this battle against Satan, the world, and our sinful nature.

Christ called us to love our enemies and pray for those who hate us, and I’m afraid too many Christians are spending too much energy complaining that people out there aren’t Christians, and “ conforming to the pattern of this world ” to get “our” people in positions of power so we can change things. A far better use of our energy is to share the gospel, because the good news about Jesus is the only message that can really change hearts. The gospel is the real source of our world-changing power as Christians.

As we look ahead to November, remember that, whether you’re a Republican, or a Democrat, or a Libertarian, or a Constitutionalist (which I just found out is a thing), you’re a Christian first. Do not be conformed—be transformed. For all the crosses the Church carries in this life, there’s a whole lot more glory waiting on the other side.

In Jesus,

Pastor Paustian

Wisconsin Mask Mandate

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 22:05:04 GMT

How the New Face Coverings Order Will Affect Our Worship

Bethlehem Family,

Today, Governor Tony Evers made Wisconsin the 34 ^th state to issue a statewide mask mandate in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 ( You can read the mandate here ). The mandate requires that “every individual, age five and older, in Wisconsin” [1] wear a face covering if indoors or in an enclosed outdoor space with people who are not members of your immediate family.

To comply with this order, as long as this mandate is in effect (right now it runs to the end of September), we will require that all visitors to either one of our campuses wear a mask while indoors (unless you meet one of the exceptions listed below).

I know how divisive of an issue face coverings have become, and it could easily become so for Bethlehem. Those who have wanted a mask mandate all along could easily lord it over those who did not. Those who are strongly opposed to masks could resent those who are for them. But God has called us all to be like Jesus. In Ephesians 4:29-31, the Apostle Paul encourages us,

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

There has been nothing easy about the last four months. We are all tired. There is only one who can heal, help, and give us strength for the days ahead. You know who I’m talking about. He’s the one who said, “In this world you will have trouble; but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Christians, let’s find strength in Christ, and let’s take every opportunity this pandemic presents to love one another.

In Christ,

Pastor Paustian

Some Things to Note

Exceptions to the Face Coverings Mandate (Emergency Order #1, Part 3)

The governor’s order makes exceptions for these situations applicable for our church life:

The pastor conducting our worship services may remove his face covering while actively speaking to the congregation, as long as 6 feet of distance are maintained from other individuals.
The same exception would seem to allow musicians to remove their face coverings as needed while they are playing.

…and these individuals:

Children ages 2-5 are encouraged (but not required) to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible (Children under 2 should not wear a face covering).
Individuals who have trouble breathing.
Individuals with medical conditions, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or other sensory sensitivities that prevent the individual from wearing a face covering.

Is this an instance where “we must obey God, rather than men” (Acts 5:29)?

The apostles who spoke those words were on trial for preaching the good news about Jesus. The governor’s orders are not being made to keep us from practicing our religion, nor is this is order solely given to Christians.

Should there come a day when the government makes some kind of religious ban on practicing Christianity, by all means, we’ll have to obey God. In this instance, we can still worship and we can serve God by being “subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)

Is wearing a mask ‘idolatry’?

Generally speaking, no. When we pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” on the one hand, we recognize that somebody is going to have to work for that bread. On the other hand, as Christians we recognize God as the ultimate source of that blessing (Deuteronomy 8:17).

When we take a medication, get a surgery, or wear a face mask, we recognize that, should God want to, he could still let us get sick or even die. But he’s given us a means to potentially preserve our lives (or somebody else’s) and we can use it, all along recognizing him as the source of that protection.

What constitutes a ‘Face Covering’?

A face covering “means a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose and mouth completely… a ‘face covering’ does not include face shields, mesh masks, masks with holes or openings, or masks with vents.”

Didn’t the State Supreme Court overturn the governor’s authority to issue this kind of ban?

I’ve read through a good portion of the supreme court’s ruling to figure this out. The Supreme Court’s decision specifically spells out that the issue in that case was not the governor’s authority. It was the head of the public health department who they ruled had overstepped her authority. At the time this is being written, it remains to be seen if the Wisconsin legislature will file a lawsuit against the governor’s order. Should that happen, and should this decision be overturned as well, it will be up to our congregational leaders to decide how to proceed.

[1] With some exceptions listed below.

For Such a Time as this

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 15:25:09 GMT

Read What our Synod is Saying about Worshiping During a Pandemic

Over the next couple weeks, I'll be giving you short summaries of information about worshiping during COVID-19. The info I'm giving you is mostly from a report our synod's Congregational Services put together. I'd highly encourage you to take the time to read this report, as it will explain how our congregation and others in our synod are responding to our current situation. You can download it by clicking here (for the original post, go to the WELS website ).

So many of our normal activities have come to a screeching halt during this pandemic. As we work to process the frustration and anxiety of so much change and uncertainty, make sure to dedicate time to God's Word and to prayer (and think about counseling , too. It helps!).

"Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

God cares for you . He does. Can you believe it? It's crazy, but he does. Just look what he did for you. He gave you Jesus. If he would do that for you, what wouldn't he do?

Divine Genocide?

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 17:14:58 GMT

Making Sense of the Brutality of the Conquering of Canaan

When reading through the Old Testament, one of the things many non-Christians object to, many former Christians cite as one reason for abandoning Christianity, and many current Christians struggle with (I think we all do, if we’re honest) is the brutality we see. This is especially true with the conquering of Canaan in Joshua and Judges. Why does God command Israel to destroy the people of Canaan? Isn’t this genocide? Even if there are not simple answers, we can all benefit from wrestling with the question.

Is this Genocide?

Genocide is the killing of one group of people by another. It often centers around ethnic differences. The Holocaust involved genocide. The Germans sought to wipe out the Jewish people (and a whole host of other groups). Hitler and his followers believed that Aryans (white, blond, blue eyes) were racially superior to people of other colors and countries.

At first blush, what happens in Joshua and Judges is barely distinguishable from the genocides of recent history. God tells the Israelites—the descendants of Jacob—to destroy the Canaanites—people of another ethnicity. But as we dig deeper into Scripture (which we have to do if we’re going to really understand what’s going on) it becomes clear that there are some important differences between genocide and what happened in Canaan around 1400 B.C.

Were the Israelites Ethnically, Racially, Morally, Religiously Superior to the Canaanites?

The book of Deuteronomy answers this question. Was Israel better? God bluntly said, “No.” God repeatedly told the Israelites that the reason they were getting the land of Canaan was not because they were in any way superior to the Canaanites. It was grace. All grace. God made a promise to their ancestors and he was keeping it (See Deuteronomy 9:4-6).

The other thing God made clear was that the Canaanites were not just in the wrong place at the wrong time. What happened to them was God's judgment. But the judgment on the Canaanites was not because of their ethnicity. It was because of their idolatry. They were guilty. At some point in their past, they had known the true God, but their ancestors had wandered away from him. God had given them centuries to repent and come back to him, but they had only gotten deeper into slavery to sin and Satan. Read through Leviticus 18 and Deuteronomy 18 and you will hear some graphic examples of what that led to (Leviticus 18:6-30; Deuteronomy 18:9-14).

It was not that Israel was better or that Canaan was worse. It was about God’s mercy and his judgment. In the book of Joshua, there is an account in which the “commander of the armies of the LORD” appeared to Joshua with a drawn sword as he was about to start conquering Canaan. Joshua asked him, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” Do you know what the angel said? “Neither” (Joshua 5:13-15)!

The Lord’s love for people was never limited to Israel, even if he had given them this special purpose and promise. God said to Abraham, "through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed" (Genesis 22:18). The God of the New Testament of whom John says, “God is love” (1 John 4:7-8), is the God of the Old Testament, too. He is the “LORD, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love”. He is the God who shows “love to a thousand generations of those who love [him] and keep [his] commands.” He is also a “jealous God” who punishes “the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate [him]” (Exodus 20).

Normally we think of jealousy in love as a negative trait. In the right context, though, jealousy is really the only appropriate reaction. The book of Judges says that Israel “prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them” (Judges 2:17). This was the same sin the Canaanites were guilty of. A husband finds out, for a fact, that his wife is having an affair. Does he say, “Well, better luck next time”? If he does, he does not love his wife! “If lively love was there, he should be upset, he should be jealous, he should be angry. Jealousy is love burst into its proper flame.” (Dale Ralph Davis, “Judges: Such a Great Salvation”, p.38).

God was just as jealous for the people of Canaan as he was for Israel, but they had long ago abandoned him. Their worship of the Baals and Ashtoreths consisted of “sacred prostitution”. After centuries of patience, God, in his jealous anger said, “Enough.” He sent Israel to destroy them.

Why use Israel?

So Israel was not superior. It was Canaan’s sin of idolatry that led God to destroy them. Still, why did God use Israel to do that? Why did God force their armies to go in and annihilate the Canaanites? There are a number of reasons to consider.

1. A Snare – To guard Israel from abandoning God themselves .

This is one reason God explicitly laid out to the Israelites. He knew that if the Canaanites and their idolatry were still around, the Israelites would join them (Exodus 23:31-33). When Israel quickly abandoned God, he did not let them drive the Canaanites out so that the Canaanites would become a snare (Judges 2:3). God had intended to guard them, but they would not have it, so God gave them over to more temptation.

2. The Effects of Idolatry – To show Israel the power of Sin.

Throughout the course of Judges, Israel fell into a pattern of increasing idolatry. They abandoned God. He sent an enemy. They cried out. He sent a judge to save them. The judge died. The cycle repeated (Judges 2:19).

“Why did they always do that? Why could they not break that pattern? It is mysterious; but Judges does teach us that that is the tragic tyranny of sin. Sin is not simply an action you do or fail to do, that you can choose to do or not to do. Sin is a power that holds you in its grip” (Dale Ralph Davis, “Judges”, p.42).

They should have known better! We should know better, too. As they went conquering into Canaan and saw the effects sin had had on the people there, they should have been warned of the dangers of falling for Satan’s lies. They didn’t take that warning seriously.

3. Jealousy – To show how God feels about idolatry.

Israel was commanded to wipe out the Canaanites. This was punishment for the Canaanites' idolatry. But it was not like Israel was exempted from punishment themselves if they went the same way. You find this out quickly in Judges. Whenever the Israelites abandoned God, he sent in an enemy to make life miserable for them to try to bring them to their senses.

What happened to the Canaanites was not unusual. It is what ultimately happens to everyone who lives in rebellion against God, whether they call themselves Jewish, Canaanite, or Christian.

The utter destruction of Canaan was not supposed to make Israel happy. The fact that they got the Promised Land was the blessing God gave them, not the fact that they had to wipe out an entire people to do it. The destruction was meant to be a warning to them. “This is where sin leads! Watch out!”

Every act of destruction in the Bible is meant to point out to people that this world is decaying and dying. It has been ever since Adam and Eve sinned way back in the Garden. One day, God is going to put an end to his corrupted creation, and re-form it into a new creation. Who is going to get to enjoy that new and perfect creation? Those who have chosen God over the old creation. Those who would rather have him than sin. That is why so often when the Bible talks about destruction, it connects it to Judgment Day. Jesus did this when he predicted the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world all at the same time (Matthew 24). Every temporary act of God’s judgment warns of a future and final judgment on sin. For the Israelites, the destruction they carried out in Canaan was a warning against idolatry, just like every group of raiders that tormented them throughout the book of Judges.

God is a jealous God who is serious when he promises judgment on sin. But we should not forget the flip side of this. Why does God give warnings about judgment? Because he does not want us to have to suffer it. He wants us to find rest in his love and not go off looking for some other god to satisfy our deepest needs. He wants us to trust in his mercy given to us in Jesus which frees us from the power of sin that is so devastating when it takes a hold of a life. He wanted the Israelites, and wants us, too, to see where sin leads: no good place. He wants us to know what an incredible, amazing, undeserved blessing it is to live at peace with him and be a part of his people.

I don't know how well you feel this answers the question we started with. In speaking with a non-Christian, I think you will still run into objections, because they will probably wonder why the God of the Bible is so intolerant to other religions. Those objections can ultimately only be answered by faith in the only true God who sent the only true savior. What those people need most of all is to hear the good news about Jesus. I do hope this gives you a place to start thinking about this issue for yourself. We need to wrestle with this, so we can stop apologizing for the God we believe in. God is not apologizing for his jealous love. He does not ask us to, either. In fact, he insists we don't.

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” Hebrews 3:12-14

Listen

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 20:07:04 GMT

Love is not a simple, uncomplicated thing

I’ve hesitated to say anything about the series of events that started in Minneapolis last week. The more I learn the more complicated it seems. I’ve seen a dozen responses that have already expressed God’s view better than I ever could .

But you’ve asked (at least one of you) how to make sense of everything that’s happened, and as your pastor I think it’s important to put myself out there and give you the best answer I can, using what I know from God’s Word. So, I offer this response humbly, “as your servant for Christ's sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5)

I’ve seen the video of George Floyd’s death. It’s hard to watch.

I’ve also seen videos of the rioters and looters. They’re hard to watch, too.

I know that it’s easy to focus on the riots and looting, because that’s what we (a predominately white congregation) are afraid of.

But I’d ask you to consider which video is harder to watch for black Americans: George Floyd’s murder, or a riot?

Before you jump right past George Floyd and focus on the riots, listen to what black Americans have to say about the way they are treated in this country. Hear them out. Listen to their stories of uncalled for brutality and suspicion by the police and how sadly common that is. Listen to how they are treated with suspicion in the most ordinary situations. Listen to them speak about the endless cycle of poverty and violence they cannot seem to break out of.

Listen to God who has called us to humbly, but boldly speak out against oppression and racism ( Proverbs 31:8-9 ) and to speak with compassion to those who are lost, angry, and afraid ( 1 Peter 3:8-9 ). Listen to God who tells us first to take the plank out of our own eye before helping our brother ( Matthew 7:1-5 ). Listen to our God who has been so patient with you and me ( 2 Peter 3:9 ).

Before we condemn someone else, remember that we are no better. “There but for the grace of God, go I.” Before we condemn a lawless rioter, remember that a lawless cop is just as worthy of punishment. We are all equally and desperately in need of mercy, a mercy found only in our savior. For God so loved the world that he sent his Son, not to condemn the world, but to save it ( John 3:16-17 ). Jesus bore the brunt of God’s justice for our sins, and for the sins of the whole world. He did not die for good people. He died for murderers, rioters, and Pharisees like us. So that we would find mercy to walk in the way of truth, love, and justice ( 1 Timothy 1:15-17 ).

Dear Heavenly Father,

The world is lost. We see it so clearly these days. I would be lost, too, if it were not for your mercy. I cannot claim to be good apart from the goodness you have given me by faith in your Son. As you have shown mercy to me, help me to be merciful to others. Give me the courage to stand up to the sins of oppression and racism, and the wisdom to listen to the voices of the oppressed. Help me to be an agent of Christ’s boundless love.

Bring justice to the oppressed and peace to our nation. Protect the lives of those who are helpless, the lives of those who protest peacefully, and the lives of those officers who are faithfully working to protect our cities. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Gentleness in Tense Times

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 22:35:32 GMT

Whatever you do, be gentle!

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

After two long months, it finally happened! We got to join for worship in person once again! Was it everything you’d hoped it would be? If you’re like me, you had some spectacular vision of one big festival service with lots of instruments and singing and hugging.

The reality was much different. Things still aren’t normal, as much as we’d like them to be. The yellow signs on every other pew gave that away, the masks that greeted you at the door, and the fraction of our usual attendance we saw. We didn’t sing much. We didn’t have an offering. There was no gathering in the back after worship.

There are all kinds of opinions and ideas swirling around about this pandemic. The vast access we have today to information means you can find somebody somewhere advocating for pretty much any point of view you could imagine. Which means that as we get back to worshipping, there are going to be different opinions about things: masks, singing, distancing, shaking hands, gathering, etc.

The worst thing we could do is let these tensions get the better of us. We could be gruff and cold and cheerless because, well, “It’s just not what I would’ve done.” Our sinful natures would love for us to let pride get in the way of the fellowship we share.

Lord, forgive us. Lord, help us feel your gentleness, your presence, and your peace. Help us to be the ones who are gentle when it’s far too easy to be angry, who rejoice in the little blessings because even these are undeserved, and who are at peace in the midst of uncertainty and anxiety because we know your great power and love for people like us (and every other kind of people).

At a time like this, the best thing we can do is to be gentle, joyful, thankful, and at peace. That peace is only found in conversation with Christ. Listen to God’s Word. Go to God in prayer. Remember that you are someone for who Christ died, and he will do everything to keep you safe. Recognize that the same is true of everyone you meet. “Let your gentleness be evident to all.”

Whiter Than Snow

Wed, 27 May 2020 14:16:37 GMT

The Christian's daily prayer for a clean heart

Psalm 51:1-2

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight;

so you are right in your verdict

and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,

sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;

you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Trevor was a lifelong Christian. He’d been baptized as a tiny baby. As a child, he’d gone to Lutheran elementary school, church, and Sunday School. Even in his twenties, he’d never neglected to put his faith first. He made it a habit to study his Bible at home and even in the lulls at work. You could expect to see him in church every week with his wife and their young daughter.

So you cannot begin to imagine how shocked everyone was when it came out that Trevor had been having an affair for over a year with another member of the congregation.

As shocked as they were, people tried to rationalize what he’d done. As good as things looked on the outside, he must have been a bad husband and father. His marriage must not have been as strong as it looked. He must not have been the sincere Christian he pretended to be.

But the truth was far scarier. Trevor was not a hypocrite. His family life and his faith were not a sham. He had a great marriage and he loved his wife and daughter more than anything. He was a sincere believer. He didn’t go to church just for show.

As the situation made their heads spin, Trevor’s family and friends had one more shock to endure. Trevor didn’t back down. He didn’t apologize. He admitted nothing. He continued to see the woman and didn’t seem to think anything of it. He had somehow convinced himself that he was in the right.

…

Maybe we’ve heard the story of David and Bathsheba too often to fully feel how shocking it was. David was a lifelong believer. David slept with another man’s wife and murdered the man to cover it up. He took the woman as his wife, even though he was already married.

That’s shocking. That’s evil.

Worst of all, he refused to admit there was anything wrong with what he had done. Until the prophet Nathan confronted him and showed him the ugly truth. David wrote this psalm in the moments after he’d been forced to realize his sin.

…

We should never be shocked by the depths of human sinfulness. Each one of us can look into our hearts and recognize, “There, but for the grace of God, I go.” If you don’t think so, watch out!

Every human being is capable of what Trevor did. We like to blame our circumstances when we sin, but the reality is that sometimes our circumstances couldn’t be better and we still sin. We need some serious help.

As Christians, we are children of God. That is who we are. We cannot forget, however, that we have a sinful nature (the “flesh”). The sinful nature is that little unbeliever that lives in each of us. It hates God. It will not do what he wants. It will not be converted. The only way we will ever be rid of it is when we die or Jesus returns. The sinful nature is ugly and evil.

That sinful nature no longer defines us. We are saints because of Jesus. But it wants to. It is a hideous, mangled monster that lurks in our hearts, waiting for any opportunity to drag us down to hell with it.

Sometimes it succeeds. It convinces us to do appalling sins. Then it tempts us to despair. To throw in the towel and say, “How could God forgive me? What use could God possibly have for a sinner like me?”

Don’t believe a word of it. You don’t owe obedience to your sinful nature. You owe obedience to God. And to think God couldn’t forgive you? Of course he can! If we are capable of any evil, then God is capable of so much greater good! If he cleansed our hearts of sin once, he can heal them again. If God himself died on the cross for our sins, then who in the world are you or anyone to say he can’t forgive you? And call God a liar? God forbid!

At our weakest moments, when we’ve given in again, God never ceases to be strong. At the moments we’re reminded of how little power we have to resist the lies of that ugly monster in our hearts, we stand amazed at God’s power to transform a heart like ours so that we see the monster for what it really is and use our newfound strength to put it in its place.

If we have or will ever sin again (and we will), we are forgiven already. Christ died for that and every sin. If we realize how far we’ve fallen, then we see all the more the love of God as we beg him to give us a clean heart. He will. You are forgiven. You are strong. Enjoy it. It’s free! God has made you whiter than snow!

Dear Lord,

Create in me a clean heart, then fill me with joy as I see your beautiful forgiveness and the strength you've given me to follow you. Amen.

More Than Conquerors - May Theme “Sent by Christ” Based on Matthew 28: 16-20

Mon, 18 May 2020 19:19:15 GMT

More Than Conquerors - May Theme “Sent by Christ” Based on Matthew 28: 16-20

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The theme for this month “Sent by Christ” echoes the Great Commission outlined in Matthew 28:16-20. We are sent by Christ to share the message of salvation in three distinct ways.

First, as parents, we share the message of salvation as we also hear it when we attend worship services together with our children. We share the message when we review with our children their Bible stories and their memory assignments on a daily basis. We also share the message when we have family devotions whether at the beginning or the end of the day. Never underestimate the blessings that come when hearing, learning, and sharing God’s Word with your children.

Secondly, we support mission projects and missionaries with our prayers and offerings. You can connect with our WELS Mission Programs through FACEBOOK (Like the WELS Missions Facebook page at fb.com/WELSmissions for additional photos and updates from our mission fields.) BLOGS (Subscribe to read weekly stories from home and world missionaries at wels.net/subscribe.) and NEWSLETTERS (Stay up - to- date by subscribing to the biannual Mission Update e-newsletter at wels.net/subscribe.

Thirdly, we are to make disciples of all nations. This means a personal contact with people inviting them to a Bible Study, a Bible Information Class, or to a worship service. We call this ” Friendship Evangelism”. Share the entire message of Jesus' love with others without fear of embarrassment and without compromise.

In all three ways just mentioned we can do this because of Jesus’ promise in vs. 20 “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

God bless you this summer as you are “Sent by Christ’ share the message of salvation.

More Than Conquerors - April Theme “Our Redeemer Lives” Based on Job 19:25-27

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:23:28 GMT

More Than Conquerors - April Theme “Our Redeemer Lives” Based on Job 19:25-27

Job 19:25-27 - I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes-I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

A popular response heard on Easter Sunday morning is…”Christ is risen...He is risen indeed?” This is a wonderful response to the fact that Jesus Christ has shown His power over the devil and because of that we live also.

Look again at Job 19:25-27. Job confidently expresses his faith in the coming Savior. He says, “I know that my redeemer lives. I myself will see him with my own eyes - I and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job had learned of the true God (Jahweh) Jehovah and lived in a close relationship with Him. As Job looked ahead in faith to seeing His Savior, he could forget his present troubles and in faith see what lay ahead for him after his life on earth had ended. These words express the firm hope of Job’s own bodily resurrection after his death and that hope that has been shared by true believers ever since.

Those thoughts of Job are the same for us. Because our Savior lives, we also live. When we die, we will continue to live. That living will take place in heaven which gives us opportunity to shout with joy in our heart, “I know that my redeemer lives!”

Making All Things New

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 21:01:35 GMT

After 150 Years, Something New

In the office files, we’ve got a book written in 1945 for the 75th anniversary of this congregation. I read through the whole thing and I couldn’t find a single reference to any world-wide pandemics, online-only services, or Facebook posts. I guess even an old church can experience new things.

May 17th was supposed to be the first of three anniversary services celebrating Bethlehem’s 150th anniversary. We were supposed to have a game day on Saturday—with the idea to have some old German games they would’ve played 150 years ago. We were supposed to invite people who grew up here, served here, or used to go here to come back and celebrate with us at a special worship service on Sunday.

There are a lot of we-were-supposed-to’s happening right now, huh? Vacations, visits, concerts, tournaments… How many of our plans will be frustrated by the time this is all over? How many inconveniences will we be stuck with? How long will we have to live with this uncertainty, fear, heartache, and helplessness?

I don’t know… I don’t know.

What I do know is this: my plans are never as good as God’s plan. My inconveniences are good when they point me back to what’s really important (how things are between me and God). My uncertainties, my fears, and my feelings of heartache and helplessness keep me from putting my hopes in human strength and humanity’s ability to save itself. These uncomfortable feelings point me to a real Savior who can really save—a Savior named Jesus—who is my sure hope, the answer to all my fears, and my helper when I cannot help myself.

He has made my worn out, stony heart new, and I know the rest is soon to follow.

An anniversary is a time to look back on a lot of old things: old people, old places, old buildings. A church anniversary is especially about looking back at those old things and recognizing the one constant, the grace of God, which will one day make this worn out world shiny and brand new.

A reading from Revelation 21:

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

"Safer At Home" Spiritual Resources for Kids

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 21:14:25 GMT

Keeping Your Kids Growing Spiritually During COVID-19

We're in week three (I think... the days kind of blur together) of the COVID-19 shut down. We can't gather for church or have live in-person Bible study or Sunday School. Our childcare center is closed. Our school is closed. Are you feeling restless yet? How about your kids?

WELS congregations all over the country are doing their best to continue to provide quality spiritual resources for kids. Devotions, videos, crafts, you name it, it's out there. With your help, I'm working to compile links to as many of these online resources as possible. Here's what I've got so far:

Videos

FVL Chapel live streams their chapel services at 11am each day
Trinity Lutheran Church in Neenah is offering a " Virtual Easter 4 Families " every day from now until April 12.
Every Tuesday, Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin is publishing a devotional video for kids
Northwestern Publishing House is offering free access to this month's Kids' Connection
Bread for Beggars is streaming a daily Kids Sing Along on their Facebook page.

Devotional Resources

Time of Grace is offering Daily Family Devotions
922 Ministries (St. Peter's and the CORE) offer " Bible Discovery Online " materials each week
Neenah Lutheran School is offering " Mornings at Mommy: At Home ", a blog with ideas for keeping the youngest members of your family spiritually fed
Northwestern Publishing House is offering Free Sunday School Resources Here and Here , as well as 80 free hymns to download and sing as a family .
Immanuel Lutheran Ministries in Greenville has published Family Devotions for the next two weeks
Forward in Christ is offering free digital access to their magazine
The WELS website offers daily devotions

A Case in Our Congregation

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 20:25:57 GMT

Praying for God's Protection For One of Our Own

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

You may already be aware that a member of our family in Christ here at Bethlehem, Ronnie Willenkamp, was recently hospitalized with a confirmed case of the coronavirus and is in serious condition.

First of all, I want to ask you to pray. Pray for Ronnie, that if God in his great mercy wills it, he would heal him from this virus. Pray for peace for him and his family, that they would know that no matter what happens here, God will be with them. Whether he recovers or is called home, God's going to be there for him, even when no one else can be. Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me… no one will snatch them from my hand" (John 10:14, 28).

One of the hardest things about this disease is that it forces family to sit on the sidelines and watch as their loved one suffers. Pray that Nancy and their family would find strength in God's promise of his loving presence with them and their loved one. Pray, too, for others we know who are sick. Jesus tells us to "always pray and never give up" (Luke 18:1). Let's do that now.

I know some of you are very close to this family. I know you'll be reaching out to encourage and show love to Nancy. Thank you for that. Let's make this a time to rekindle our Christian love for each other. The Apostle Paul says in Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

As scary as it may be, this is not likely to be the last case of COVID-19 we see at Bethlehem. Let's be reminded by this diagnosis to take this situation seriously and do everything we can to protect each other, especially those most vulnerable to this disease. Listen to the "safer at home" order. Keep your distance from others as much as possible. Wash your hands. Be safe.

This past Sunday, Jesus reminded us of something we really need to hear in times like these, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die" (John 11:25-26) This member of our spiritual family is safe. His wife is safe. You and I are safe. Whether we live or die, we don't have to be afraid.

If there's one thing we all need right now, it's Jesus. God is with us!

Pastor Paustian

If anyone is struggling and needs spiritual comfort and guidance, please reach out to me via the "Request Info" tab at the top of this page.

If you are struggling with a mental health issue, please contact Christian Family Solutions by calling ( 800.438.1772 ) or going to their website ( https://christianfamilysolutions.org/ ) and making an appointment. Many insurance providers are covering the cost of counseling sessions because of the current crisis and you can meet with a counselor by video.

More Than Conquerors - March Theme “Resist the Devil’s Snares” Based on Luke 4:1-13

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 16:39:17 GMT

More Than Conquerors - March Theme
“Resist the Devil’s Snares” Based on Luke 4:1-13

Luke 4: 1-13 - Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written; ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” The devil then led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “it is said; ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

The words of Luke 4: 1-13 review for us the temptations faced by Jesus after spending forty days in the wilderness. These temptations came from the devil who wanted to ensnare Jesus in his grip and lead Him to sin. But that didn’t happen because as the sinless Son of God, our Savior resisted the temptations of the devil.

We, as sinful human beings, are easily tempted and fall victim to the temptations of the big three, “The devil, the world, and our sinful flesh.” This happens over and over again. Try as we might, we cannot resist the temptations of these “big three’. In Matthew 26:41 we are reminded to “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptations. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

To help keep temptations away, to help us overcome temptations, to help us overcome situations which would lead us to sin we need help. That help comes from our Savior Jesus Christ. We hear in Hebrews 2:18, “Because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”

So resist the devil’s snares and don’t become overcome by any temptations. Instead ask your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to help fight off the devil’s attacks with the knowledge that He is there for you and will help you in your daily struggles with temptations.

Forgiveness is Easy

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 18:03:25 GMT

Why work for what God freely gives?

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”

4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. (Matthew 9:1-8)

If you’ve ever tried learning a second language, you know this: translation is hard. There are always some things that are “lost in translation.” In this reading from Matthew, the thing that gets lost is a little Greek word: idou . Idou is a word that basically means, “Look!” or “Hey!” It draws all your attention to something that’s happening.

In this reading, there are two idou -s: 1) in verse 2, “Hey! Some men with a paralyzed man!” and 2) in verse 3, “Hey! Some teachers thinking bad thoughts!”. After both these idou -s, Jesus sees something. He notices the hearts of the people our attention is drawn to and sees: 1) faith and 2) un-faith (the opposite of trust in God).

From what Jesus says to the teachers of the law, something becomes clear. These two groups of people have two very different ideas of how hard it is to be forgiven.

The teachers of the law put all the work of being forgiven on people. If you owe God a debt, you’d better pay it back yourself. It’s not enough to just say someone’s forgiven. People have to work hard for forgiveness!

The faithful (the paralyzed man and his friends) put all the work of being forgiven on Jesus. If you owe God a debt, you’d better ask God to forgive it. You don’t have to work at all to be forgiven. That’s God’s job!

The problem with the first idea of how people earn forgiveness isn’t just that it’s too hard. It’s impossible! If you try to get forgiven that way, you’ll never make it!

Besides that, you rob God of his glory by trying to work for something he wants you to have as a gift. He went to all the trouble of sending you a savior, but you still want to be your own savior? That’s blasphemy!

As Christians we believe something different. All the work of forgiving sins rests on Jesus’ capable shoulders. He bore the heavy load of our guilt. He did the work, because we couldn’t. For us, forgiveness is as easy as hearing Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven!” and believing it! That’s what faith does. It receives this gift of grace from God and says, “You get the glory, God! You did the work. You’re the best!”

So you’ve sinned? So you’ve messed up? Idou ! Hey! Stop trying to fix things yourself. Put your faith in Christ. Let him do the work. Forgiveness is easy. Believe it.

More Than Conquerors - February Theme "God's Ways Are Good!" Based on Genesis 50:15-21

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 18:05:32 GMT

This is a subtitle for More Than Conquerors - February Theme
“God’s Ways Are Good!” Based on Genesis 50:15-21

Genesis 50: 15-21 - When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

As you read the verses from Genesis 50 you can imagine Joseph’s brother’s thoughts. Yes, Joseph is finally going to get back at us, get revenge, for how we mistreated him 39 years ago. But that was not the case. Joseph does not harbor any ill will or grudge against his brothers. In fact, he says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, to save many lives.”.

Let’s look at those words, “God intended it for good”. Yes, whatever plans or ways God has are good. They are good because He knows what is best for us. Those plans that He has for us may come with struggles, difficulties, or trials. We may not always see what is good about God’s plan at the moment, but rest assured the plans are in our best interest. Hasn’t He shown that to us time and time again?

Think about His greatest plan or way for us. Through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, we have the gift of eternal life. This plan of God comes with a cost for us. It is completely free. So rejoice knowing that God’s ways and plans are best and it will always be that way!

Kenneth Kasten

Fighting Hate with Love

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 15:07:54 GMT

At the Start of Something New, We Remember the Love that Never Changes

It’s a brand-new year … and a brand-new decade… and the start of Bethlehem’s 150th year in Hortonville! We’re going to spend a lot of time thinking about time this year. Any time something new begins, it gets people thinking about the past, present, and future. So this year we get to think about the stories that got us to this moment as a congregation and a country. We get to imagine what future God might have in store for us.

Today I’m thinking about the past. As I’m writing this, it’s January 20—Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I’m thinking about a Baptist pastor who wore the name that we wear ourselves whenever we call ourselves “Luther-ans”.

Martin Luther King Jr.—along with so many other black people in 1960’s America—experienced a level of hatred I can’t even fathom. People hated him, and ultimately murdered him, because of the color of his skin. The reason we remember MLK as a civil rights hero when there were so many others fighting for the same things is because his way of fighting was different. I’ll let him sum it up in words from his 1967 speech “Where Do We Go From Here”:

“ Through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder… Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that. And I say to you, I have also decided to stick with love, for I know that love is ultimately the only answer to humankind’s problems. ”

MLK fought hate with love. This is what Christians do. In Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus says, “ You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven .”

Do good to the people who do bad to you. Do it because you know who your Heavenly Father is. He is the one who loves us. We hated God. We wanted what we wanted, no matter how it hurt God. We broke the heart of the one who love us so incredibly much. But God just kept on loving us. He sent His Son to carry humanity’s self-consuming hatred to the cross. We died with him there by faith. Now, we live in the light of Easter.

God loved us in Christ with what MLK called a “strong, demanding love”. Christ’s love makes us whole and perfect in God’s eyes. How could we love except by knowing the God who is love? Let’s share that love in 2020.

More Than Conquerors - January Theme "Spread the story!" Based on Luke 2: 15-20

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 19:33:28 GMT

More Than Conquerors - January Theme
“Spread the story!” Based on Luke 2: 15-20

Luke 2:15-20 - When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

An evangelist is defined as one who spreads the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness. The verses listed above lead you to equate the shepherds as evangelists. One reference I read even called them “missionaries”. After the wonderful announcement by the angels, the shepherds immediately hurried to see the baby Jesus. It didn’t end there, and here is the part that shows us that the shepherds were evangelists. They “spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child”. Yes, they shared the good news of Jesus’ birth with others.

It’s 2020, a new year and new opportunities await all of us. As the faculty encourages the children to take opportunities to tell others about their Savior’s love for them, so we as adults are encouraged to “Spread the story’ of that Savior’s love for us.

Scripture doesn’t indicate just to whom the shepherds shared their joyous message, probably just to people in and around Bethlehem. The point here is that they shared the “good news”. May God give us the opportunities in this new year to “spread the story”. Whether it’s to family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or perfect strangers knowing that He will bless our efforts and the message of salvation will once again bring comfort and joy to many.

May you and your family have a Blessed New Year!

Kenneth Kasten

More Than Conquerors - December Theme "Word Made Flesh" Based on John 1:14

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:26:40 GMT

More Than Conquerors -
December Theme “Word Made Flesh” Based on John 1:14

John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Are you caught up in the Christmas rush? The rush to decorate or bake? The rush to buy the right gift? The rush to attend concerts, practices, and special events?

It seems that this happens to all of us at one time or another during the holiday season even though we try not to let it happen. Sometimes lost in all of the activities is the one described in John 1:14. That is none other than our Savior Jesus Christ.

I have often asked my students what gifts they received two or three Christmases ago. Unless it was something especially memorable the students really had a hard time in remembering what they had received. Yet those same students knew and remembered, as our students at Bethlehem know and remember, the most precious gift that was given to them and to all of us by our loving God, and that was their Savior Jesus Christ, the Word that became flesh. Born in a manger for them and for all of us.

May the Lord bless you and your family during this Advent and Christmas season as you dwell on the blessings of that “Word which has become flesh”.

Merry Christmas,

Kenneth Kasten

"Deliver Us From Evil!"

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:06:32 GMT

Deliver Us From Evil

Acts 9:1-6 "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Jesus Christ, who is " so sweet and so mild " to those broken and weary over sin, has no trouble stopping evil in its tracks. The book of Acts describes how a man named Saul was systematically picking apart Christ's church. There was nothing the early Christians—even the apostles—could do to defend themselves.

"But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." (2 Cor 1:9) When the moment was right, Jesus stepped in. His deliverance from evil was not to annihilate the evil one, Saul. Instead, Jesus delivered his people by turning the mastermind behind the church's destruction into the most passionate, gifted builder of his Church. We learn that Jesus, our God, is gracious, merciful, and strong. He is the defender of his people. He is the deliverer from evil.

We learn something, too, about what he's done for each of us. At one time, even if it was just the moments or days before our baptism, our hearts were set on dismantling the good things God has done. We were the evil that godly people had to pray about. Rather than destroying us, though, God has dismantled our evil plans by turning our gifts and passions to serve him. The Holy Spirit has worked in our hearts to know Christ. He continues to work through the Word to change our hearts from stony to living ones.

As Christians, we long for God's will—his good and gracious will—to be accomplished. If that is to happen, evil must be systematically dismantled. We get to be a part of this demolition work by sharing the good news of Jesus with people. The gospel is the only thing that can transform evil to good the way it did in Paul.

Yes, there are those who hear and reject the message. But many, by God's grace, will hear the gospel and believe. Their evil hearts will beat for the last time and be brought back to life as hearts dedicated to good—to God. Let's long for that. Let's not treat those who oppose Christ and Christianity as enemies, but as people with evil hearts to be turned to God's side. Let's work passionately to turn them to fight for the right side, like God did to Saul and to us. Let's preach Jesus to them—our Lord, our deliverer from evil.

Lord, deliver us from the evil of our hearts and the evil this world throws at us. Use us to share your gospel. Bring many more over to your side. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Bethlehem Lutheran Ministries

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Not Conformed—Transformed

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For Such a Time as this

Read What our Synod is Saying about Worshiping During a Pandemic

Divine Genocide?

Making Sense of the Brutality of the Conquering of Canaan

Listen

Love is not a simple, uncomplicated thing

Gentleness in Tense Times

Whatever you do, be gentle!

Whiter Than Snow

The Christian's daily prayer for a clean heart

More Than Conquerors - May Theme “Sent by Christ” Based on Matthew 28: 16-20

More Than Conquerors - May Theme “Sent by Christ” Based on Matthew 28: 16-20

More Than Conquerors - April Theme “Our Redeemer Lives” Based on Job 19:25-27

More Than Conquerors - April Theme “Our Redeemer Lives” Based on Job 19:25-27

Making All Things New

After 150 Years, Something New

"Safer At Home" Spiritual Resources for Kids

Keeping Your Kids Growing Spiritually During COVID-19

A Case in Our Congregation

Praying for God's Protection For One of Our Own

More Than Conquerors - March Theme “Resist the Devil’s Snares” Based on Luke 4:1-13

More Than Conquerors - March Theme “Resist the Devil’s Snares” Based on Luke 4:1-13

Forgiveness is Easy

Why work for what God freely gives?

More Than Conquerors - February Theme "God's Ways Are Good!" Based on Genesis 50:15-21

This is a subtitle for More Than Conquerors - February Theme “God’s Ways Are Good!” Based on Genesis 50:15-21

Fighting Hate with Love

At the Start of Something New, We Remember the Love that Never Changes

More Than Conquerors - January Theme "Spread the story!" Based on Luke 2: 15-20

More Than Conquerors - January Theme “Spread the story!” Based on Luke 2: 15-20

More Than Conquerors - December Theme "Word Made Flesh" Based on John 1:14

More Than Conquerors - December Theme “Word Made Flesh” Based on John 1:14

"Deliver Us From Evil!"

Deliver Us From Evil

More Than Conquerors - March Theme
“Resist the Devil’s Snares” Based on Luke 4:1-13

This is a subtitle for More Than Conquerors - February Theme
“God’s Ways Are Good!” Based on Genesis 50:15-21

More Than Conquerors - January Theme
“Spread the story!” Based on Luke 2: 15-20

More Than Conquerors -
December Theme “Word Made Flesh” Based on John 1:14