Tag Archives: Faith

Faith in Jesus Christ which comes through the presence of the Holy Spirit

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 12, 2015
Tags: Faith,   

Being Trained-Up in G*dliness — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

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September 12, 2015

“Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-10

“(Writing to a friend in a letter) Lift up your heart to Him even at your meals, or when you are in company; the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we think. To be with G*d there is no need to be continually in church. Of our heart we may make an oratory, wherein to retire from time to time and with Him hold meek, humble, loving converse.” The Practice of the Presence of G*d Brother Lawrence (1611-1691) “For All The Saints” volume II (p. 817)

Train yourself in godliness. What an image. I think it is an image that can help many people find a stronger faith life. Although, I am not so naive to think that this is good for everyone. I realize that many people see the word “training” in a negative light because they have spent so much time training in their lives (for sporting events and other kinds of endeavors) that they are burned out by the idea. And yet, many people need a trainer to make any changes in their lives. They need someone or something to push them continually.

The good news is that we have a trainer just waiting to teach us — and that trainer is the Holy Spirit. In fact we cannot train up ourselves in godliness on our own — it takes the training and the support of the spirit. But, the Holy Spirit will not wake you up in the morning to get you motivated. You and I must remain open to the spirit, open to the presence of the spirit, and expecting the spirit to move just when we least expect it. That is how one is “trained up” by the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on August 31, 2015
Tags: Faith, ,   

Sharing the Good News of the Gospel — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

image   August 31, 2015

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the on” John 1:29-32

“The he says: “John, you may tell it. Go back in there and go up and down the tables, and tell all of them. And then if you want to, go upstairs and tell them all about it, and then downstairs and tell the hogshed men and the drivers and everybody what the Lord has done for you…”…Oh, that happy day! Can I ever forget it? That was my conversion morning, and that day the Lord sent me out with the good news of the kingdom. For more than forty years I’ve been telling the story. My step is getting rather slow, my voice breaks down, and sometimes I am awful tired, but still I’m telling it. My lips shall proclaim the dying love of the Lamb with my last expiring breath.” The Unmatched Negro Philosopher and Preacher, by William E. Hatcher — John Jasper (1812-1901) “For All The Saints, volume II (p. 467-468)

John Jasper was a former slave and, for fifty years, a prominent Virginia preacher. He was the youngest of 24 children. John Jasper had a major conversion experience and his master encouraged him to share it with everyone, so he spent his life spreading the good news of Christianity. He was the founder of the 6th Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he preached until his death.

In the Lutheran church we do not believe so much in a one time “conversion experience”, but more of a “life-long” conversion — where the Holy Spirit continually works in our lives helping us to understand the Gospel and to live accordingly. But this does not relieve us of the need to share the good news, nor does it mean we do not have the right or privilege to do the same. It is in living the gospel that we learn of the wonders and the power of the Christ-like life — and it allows us the opportunity to have stories of our own.

No matter how slow our step becomes, or how dim our eyesight, as long as we have breath in our lungs, we have the opportunity to share the good news. Who will you share the good news of the kingdom of G*d with today?

Pastor Dave