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 July 24, 2015
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Por Dios / For G*d — Rev. David J. Schreffler

July 24, 2015

“Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”” Matthew 26:6-13

“In Spain the beggar sues for alms in the name of the love of G*d, and if nothing be given, you are supposed to reply: “For the love of G*d, brother, forgive me!” And as the beggar makes his appeal in the name of G*d, (por Dios – for G*d) he is known as a “por-diosero” (beggar). But as the other, the putative rich person, also asks his pardon for the sake of G*d, one might call him a “por-diosero” too. “Por-dioseros”, beggars, both.” Miguel de Unamuno (1864 – 1936) “For All The Saints”, volume IV (p. 318)

It is attributed to Martin Luther that some of his last words written or spoken were the words “we are all beggars”. None of us comes to G*d with anything that we can give to G*d when we approach the heavenly throne — there is nothing G*d needs, wants or desires that comes from the pathetic hands of the human. We all come to G*d with our hands outstretched begging for G*d forgiveness, mercy and love.

Begging is a universal act — I can go to my local mall and as I drive into the parking lot, there standing along the road is one man or woman with a sign that is asking for food, work or money. What has put them into this situation? No one truly knows. What we do know is this: there is a need — locally, state-wide, nationally and throughout the world. People are begging for needs, physical and spiritual needs. We are all beggars — we have been in many aspects of our lives — and we will find ourselves in that position at the gates of Heaven. We will come empty handed to the gates of Heaven — for nothing we have earned in this life will matter then. In the meantime, we can be serving those who are begging right now for physical and spiritual sustenance. It will not guarantee us a ticket through the gates of heaven, for Jesus has bought that ticket for us already. But, in serving those who are begging now, we can understand their plight, and might be able to see a way to put their hands in the hands of the one who can give them spiritual food and drink.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on July 20, 2015
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He Came to Call — Rev. David J. Schreffler

July 20, 2015

“But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” Romans 10:14-17

“Christ came not to force and compel them who would not be brought into the way. Christ saves no man against his will. There is a word crept into the later school that deludes many a man. They call it irresistibility and they would have it mean that when G*d would have a man, he will lay hold upon him by such a power of grace as no perverseness of that man can possibly resist. The grace of G*d is more powerful than any resistance of any man or devil. Force and violence, pecuniary and bloody laws, are not the right way to bring men to religion, in cases where there is nothing in consideration but religion merely. He came not to compel man…”He came to call.”
John Donne (1572 – 1631) A sermon, “The Showing Forth of Christ”, “For All The Saints” volume IV (p. 292-293)

“Christ saves no man against his will.” But G*d will come to us when we can least resist — when we are deepest in the hole, furthest from the shore line, and facing the gravest diagnosis. Christ will come in the person who sits down to say “I care”. Christ will come in the one who reaches down with a hand to pull you out of the hole. Christ will come to sit beside you to say “We will face this diagnosis together”. Christ calls all of us to be the hands and feet of Christ — to be the one sent — to be the one to proclaim that the kingdom has come near. G*d is calling you — you are not forced to listen — you are not compelled to respond. But, at some point, Christ will get your attention — saying “come if you are weary — I will give you rest” — and resistance will be futile.

Pastor Dave