Monthly Archives: June 2015

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on June 16, 2015
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Keep The Deposit — Rev. David J. Schreffler

June 16, 2015

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the godless chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, for by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21

“It is worth while to expound the whole of that passage of the apostle more fully, “O Timothy keep the deposit, avoiding profane novelties of words…” What is “Keep the deposit”? “Keep it,” because of thieves, because of adversaries, lest, while men sleep, they sow tares over that good wheat which the Son of Man had sown in his field. “Keep the deposit.” What is “the deposit”? That which has been entrusted to thee, not that which thou hast thyself devised: a matter not of wit, but learning…wherein thou art bound to be not an author but a keeper… Preserve the talent…of faith…unadulterated. That which has been entrusted to thee…let it be handed on by thee.” Vincent of Lerins (c. 450) “For All The Saints”, volume IV (p. 95-96)

Whether we render it as “guard what has been entrusted to you…” or “Keep the deposit…”, we understand what is being asked of all disciples and apostles — we are to treasure the word of G*d and to aim, not for treasures of gold and silver but for righteousness, faith, love, gentleness, etc. And we know that the Word of G*d insists that we live in the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. as being fruits of the Holy Spirit. This is what we are to guard – this is what we are to treasure – for these will bring us such treasures that cannot be counted completely or entirely in any way. And then from those stores of treasures come good works — acts of love — service to all people in need — for when Christ dwells within us, we cannot help but see these things flow from our hearts.

So, how are you doing treasuring the Word of G*d? How well are you keeping that treasure of faith? What will that treasure look like when you hand it on to someone else? When we have something of value, we care for it, protect it, treat it with care, and make sure it gets regular maintenance. When we “treasure” our relationship with G*d through Jesus Christ, then we must do the same — care for it by dealing with it on a daily basis; protect it by studying it daily; give it regular maintenance because we use it often — set it in the field of ministry and use it.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on June 15, 2015
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Christ Has Given us Bragging Rights — Rev. David J. Schreffler

June 15, 2015

“I thank Christ Jesus who has given me strength for this, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service…” 1 Timothy 1:12

“You join the ranks of thousands of men and women who for the most part have said with St. Paul: “I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord, Who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” In the discharge of their debt of love to G*d and man, a host of them have already gone down into the grave, by men unpraised, by the world unknown. While others filled the world with the breath of their name, they counted it their honor to fill thrones in heaven. They thought it far better to part with gold than with G*d, to bear the heaviest cross than miss a heavenly crown.” Martin Luther Koehneke (1916-1995) (Addressing the graduates of Concordia Teachers College in 1955) “For All the Saints”, volume IV (p. 73)

Of course many of us know the back story of St. Paul — having been self-appointed to persecute followers of Jesus, Christ “converted” him to being chief of Apostles. And though this calling was not an easy road, he followed that road to his death. And even in the midst of his own persecution and troubles, he says “Thank you — Lord — for you have appointed me to this calling — you have found me faithful enough, even in my weaknesses.”

If we go into this calling to be good and faithful servants of Christ expecting riches and prosperity, we go into this calling with hearts that are not set right. No, I am not saying that the rich cannot enter into the kingdom of G*d. I am saying that I agree with Martin Koehneke — that there are greater rewards than money, riches, etc. for being called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. And to this calling Paul boasted. Martin Luther writes: “When I was only a young theologian and doctor, I thought it was imprudent of Paul in his epistle to boast of his call so often. But I did not understand his purpose, for I did not know that the ministry of the Word of G*d was so weighty a matter. When we boast…we are not looking for prestige in the world or praise from men or money… The reason for our proud boasting is that we are in a divine calling and in G*d’s own work…”

So, if you find yourself “bragging” about your church, think of it as good evangelism – because, like Paul, Christ has judged us to be the kind of people he wants “in his service”. If there is something going on in your church that you are excited about, tell people. We have so many ways of sharing news today — through all of the social media outlets that are at our fingertips.

What are you excited about that you can tell someone today, or this week or this year, about what is happening at your church — or even in your faith life?

Pastor Dave