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July 2023 Newsletter: For the Sake of Evangelism
Opening Guest Article by Pastor David McMinn
Discover the profound role of the Holy Spirit in faith and salvation, empowering Christians for evangelism and the preservation of their faith.
In the Small Catechism section on the Apostles' Creed, the LCMS confesses, in agreement with Dr. Martin Luther, that faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and coming to Him is not a result of our own understanding, strength, or works. Instead, the Holy Spirit calls us through the Gospel, enlightens us with His gifts, sanctifies us, and keeps us in the true faith. This work of the Holy Spirit, which involves calling, gathering, enlightening, and sanctifying, is true for the entire Christian Church on earth. Therefore, all those called to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ are called in the same manner. Conversion takes place and faith is given through the Holy Spirit's work in the Gospel. The Small Catechism, a part of the Lutheran Confessions, accurately presents the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Denying or contradicting it means denying the very Scriptures from which it is derived. Several Scriptural passages support this understanding, including:
The Work of the Holy Spirit in Conversion
Romans 8:7-9a, 13
"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you… For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
1 Peter 1:23
"Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding Word of God…"
Titus 3:5-6
"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…"
These Scriptures, along with many others, clearly indicate that drawing and conversion are solely the work of God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Salvation itself is the work of God. Moreover, God not only draws and converts but also ensures that we remain in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 1:3b-5, we read, "According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." According to the Scriptures, none of those chosen by our Father in heaven will be lost. As stated in the Formula of Concord, God's eternal election not only foresees and foreknows the salvation of the chosen, but it is also the cause of our salvation and everything related to it, based on God's gracious will and good pleasure in Christ Jesus. It creates, brings about, assists, and advances our salvation. Our salvation rests upon it, so that "the gates of hell" (Matthew 16:18) cannot prevail against it, as it is written, "No one will snatch my sheep out of my hand" (John 10:28). Similarly, in Acts 13:48, we read, "As many as had been destined for eternal life became believers."
The Privilege of Christians
Christians should find encouragement in the Gospel, as they have received Christ and His salvation. They are privileged bearers of His Word, with His Word residing in their hearts and on their lips through the provision of His Spirit. By speaking His Word, God will save all those whom He intends to save. This is evangelism carried out joyfully by those who bear the name of Christ.
Notice: Free School Uniform Clothing
Parents of registered students at Trinity Lutheran Classical School (K-8th) are invited to visit the fellowship hall, where free school uniform clothing is available for their children.
Verse of the Month: "For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life." - Proverbs 9:11
Worship Information
Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m.Â
Sunday School & Bible Study: 10:15 a.m.
Visit our website to join us for worship in person or watch and listen to the service online. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." - Exodus 20:8
Independence Day
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Voter's Preliminary Pastoral Call Meeting
Date: Thursday, July 6 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: To be announced
Missionary Presentation - Rev. Gerald Paul
Serving at Safe Harbour Lutheran Church, Cayman Islands Date: Monday, July 17th Time: 7:00 p.m. Refreshments provided by the Guild
Rev. Gerald (& Heidi) Paul, former Montana pastor, is currently serving as a missionary at Safe Harbour Lutheran Church in the Cayman Islands. To support their work through the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, you can send a tax-deductible gift to The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (Mission Support), P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO. 63166-686. Please make checks payable to the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and earmark them for "Support of Gerald Paul." You can also give securely online through the LCMS website at lcms.org/gerald.paul, or send your gifts to Mission Central at 40718 Highway E-16, Mapleton, Iowa 51034, earmarked for Gerald Paul.
Witness & Outreach
Reflecting on Luke 7:1-10, let us recognize the power and authority of God's Word, just as the Centurion did. As we bear witness to God's powerful and authoritative Word, may others come to faith in Jesus Christ, who heals both physically and spiritually.
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" - Psalm 98:4
37th Annual Hills Alive Free Summer Music Festival
Date: July 15-16, 2023 Location: Memorial Park, 8th & Omaha, Rapid City, SD Featuring: Zach Williams, Sanctus Real, Andrew Ripp, Patrick Mayberry, Leanna Crawford, Cade Thompson, For King + Country, Colton Dixon, Rhett Walker, Natalie Layne, & Coby James Free admission, guest speakers, great bands, kid zone, family fun, vendors (food, shopping, and more) The children's Fun Zone features a biblically based program designed to reach children of all ages through uplifting music, entertainment, interactive games, activities, and inflatables. For more information on food and lodging, contact the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce at 1 (605) 343-1744. For additional concert information, call 1 (605) 342-6822 or visit www.hillsalive.com Presented by KSLT-107.1, area businesses, and churches
Trinity Lutheran Classical School 2023
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Graduates:
- Aaron Jordan
- Ben Rice
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH & CLASSICAL SCHOOL, LCMSÂ
Preschool - 8th Grade 221 S. Center Avenue Miles City, MT. 59301 Phone: (406) 234-4983 Fax: (406) 234-8033 Email:Â trinity@midrivers.com
Ladies Guild (Lutheran Women's Missionary League)
Trinity Lutheran Guild held its meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the church. The potluck dinner was hosted by Debbie Helland and Theresa Scheid. Ten members and five guests attended. Pastor said grace, and everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal. After dinner, Theresa opened the meeting, and Debbie read a devotion. Topics discussed included changes in the communion service due to a single service and upcoming meeting dates. Communion servers for July are Joyce Holmlund and Marlus Amsden. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 15th. Communion set-up for August will be done by Pam Schreiber and Karen Taylor. Wava Jo Roach and Theresa Scheid will be the August hostesses, with Wava also leading the devotions. All ladies of the congregation are welcome to join the Guild.
Respectfully submitted, Guild co-secretary, Debbie Helland
"Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit..."2023Â
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Theme: "GOD'S LIVING WATER - Covered in Jesus' Grace"
"You are the God who works wonders." - Psalm 77:14
We had an amazing week at VBS! On the first day, we welcomed 109 children, and we averaged around 100 attendees throughout the rest of the week. It was a blessing to share God's Word with all of these young souls. The theme of Christ as the Living Water resonated with people thirsty for the Gospel. The Living Water satisfies eternal thirst, and we gained a deeper understanding of God's Word and His Plan of Salvation. We collected $302 through offerings for this year's mission project, the Outreach Clinic in Miles City. The children put on a wonderful music program on Friday, proclaiming the Good News of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, as well as those who donated food and necessary items. Your support and hard work made this week possible, and God blessed this ministry through your dedication to serving the children in our community.
In His service, Alicyn Chapman and Michelle Rice, VBS Co-Directors
2023 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
Verse of the Program: "Thou hast put gladness in my heart." - Psalm 4:7
Celebration and Gratitude
Thank you for joining us in our 60th-year celebration. We are grateful for God's goodness and look forward to many more years together.
Blessed in Christ, Jack & Elnora Ottenbacher
LIFE QUOTES: Hope in Jesus, the Light of Life
"There is Hope in Jesus, the Light of Life!"
The Power of Prayer and Life
"We may think our prayers are small concerning the magnitude of the problem of abortion. Not so! Educate yourself, your children, and the people you know. Support leaders who embrace these words, 'All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.' We have the most hopeful message the world has ever heard. You know it. God does big things with small stuff. How can we be so sure? Shiprah and Puah, Jochebed, Miriam, and Moses... and especially Jesus." - Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN.
The Profound Beauty and Power of Life
"Announcing a pregnancy, feeling a fetus kick, cradling a newborn, attending a Baptism - what happens and what we experience defies description. Grieving and believing over a terminal diagnosis, listening to an aged neighbor's wisdom and reminiscences, holding a loved one's hand at a hospital bedside, singing hymns and reciting Scriptures as a relative enters eternity - the encounter exceeds even the beauty and power of words." - Pastor Michael Salemink, Lutherans For Life
Finding Joy in Waiting
"Waiting is difficult; in Christ, we have the now and not yet. But as we learn and relearn to wait on Him, we find joy in His good work and patient craftsmanship in our lives. Though under construction, God works through us to bless the world. May you find great joy in fruit-bearing as you faithfully wait on Him." - Michelle Bauman, Y4Life
The Triumph of God's Reign
"Jesus, who is all Man and all God, becomes one of us so that all of us might become one with Him. Finally, a sigh of relief, a cry of joy, even a shout of thanksgiving! God is on the throne. Amen." - Rev. Dr. John Nunes, Guest Speaker on "The Lutheran Hour"
Embracing the Opportunity
"The Church is under an incredible assault, but perhaps never has the opportunity been greater. The question is whether we wish to take it, whether we want to be salt, or whether we'll just mark time, leaving nothing but ruins for those who follow in our footsteps." - Rev. Peter Scaer, Concordia Theological Seminary
Lutherans For Life Mission
The mission of Lutherans For Life is to witness the sanctity of human life through education based on God's Word. Visit www.lutheransforlife.org or call 1-888-364-LIFE for more information.
Word of Hope - Healing from Abortion
If you are hurting from abortion, Word of Hope can help. Visit www.word-of-hope.org or call 888-271-8679.
DONATE TO: Lutherans For Life
To support Lutherans For Life, you can donate to Lutherans For Life at 1101 5th Street Nevada, IA. 50201-1816
In the Fullness of Time
"It is He who was born for us, He who died for us, He who rose for us, And He who reigns on high for us.
In the fullness of time, our Lord was born for our sake. In the fullness of time, He will bring all the faithful into eternal fellowship with Him. In the fullness of time, He will dry every tear and fulfill His will for all mankind, as witnessed by John the Evangelist in the Revelation God granted him."
THE APPLE THEORY
By Pastor Lonie Eatherton, Lutherans For Life - Life Date, Spring 2023
If people were just apples, each tiny seed could be planted or discarded based solely on need. And each struggling seedling, looking up to the sky, could be cultivated nicely or left to die.
Not a life would be protected, not an apple tree exempt from the fate that would befall it. And if someone dared to set parameters for conduct in dealing with a sprout, then the civil rights committee would intervene and throw them out!
If people were just apples, the ones that age growing old, soft, and wrinkled beyond their prime stage would be ushered to their coffins without fear of doing wrong.
If people were just apples, we'd measure and weigh, deciding which ones to save and which ones to throw away. And someday, the refuse pile of life would get its due. Someone would come along and judge that we should be there too!
Note: This poem was originally sent to Dr. Jean Garton, president of Lutherans For Life, in the 1980s. It was shared on Dr. Garton's "Speaking of Life" radio program and recently revised and sent to LFL. Rev. Eatherton expressed his belief that there would come a future day in America when their grandchildren would look up at them in disbelief and ask, "Was there a time in America when they killed babies before they were born? We're still praying for that day when everyone will see, through God's eyes, how precious each person is."
ONE BLOOD – ONE HUMAN RACE, A RACE WITHOUT COMPETITION
By Pastor Michael Salemink, Lutherans For Life
Father Abraham had many sons. Daughters too. I am one of them, and so are you. Race has no basis in science. It has no place in Christianity either. We only compare and compete with each other because of sinfulness. Genetically, we are all related, regardless of our origins or appearances. However, using skin color as a criterion for determining anything about humanity is particularly absurd.
Every member of our species is a descendant of Adam and Eve. God Himself creates, redeems, and calls every human life. "For He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place" (Acts 17:26).
Appearance does not establish a person's worth any more than age, ability, or origin does. The Gospel of Jesus Christ celebrates diversity and abundance. "After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes" (Revelation 7:7).
Go Sell All You Have?
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter the story of the rich young ruler who approached Jesus with a question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus responded by reminding him of the commandments. The young ruler claimed to have kept them all, to which Jesus replied, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me" (Luke 18:18–22).
Is Jesus Speaking to Us?
Upon hearing this story, we might wonder if Jesus' words apply to us as well or if they were meant only for the rich young ruler. As Lutherans, we firmly say, "No!" But why do we hold this belief? The answer is simple: If we were to sell everything we have and give it all to the poor, we would neglect our responsibilities towards our families. Selling everything would disregard and abandon those whom God has entrusted to our care. Our possessions and wealth should not be used exclusively for the church, but that does not excuse us from using our resources as God intends.
Three Stations in Life
Every person has three stations in life, three spheres where we live and serve our neighbors. These stations are the church, the family, and society. We are born into all three of these stations. Through Baptism, we are born into the church, and our responsibilities towards others in the church arise from this baptismal relationship. We are also born into a family, and our duties towards others stem from our birth within that family. Finally, we are born into a society, which is an extension of our family. Our obligations to fellow society members come from our birth or the birth of others within the same society.
Fulfilling Duties in the Three Stations
It is essential to recognize that all we have and all we are should be utilized to serve the church, the family, and society. If we were to sell everything and give solely to one station, we would neglect the other two and fail in fulfilling our obligations. Therefore, we should consider our lives and possessions in light of these three stations. We contribute through taxes to support society, save for our children's education, and provide for the needs of our families.
The Church as a Priority
Sadly, the church is often regarded as the last consideration. Family and societal needs often take precedence, and the church receives whatever is left over. However, this should not be the case. Instead, we are called to give our first fruits, the best of what we have, just as Abel offered the finest from his flock. This requires planning, setting aside a portion from the beginning, and adhering to our commitment even when faced with more immediate and pressing concerns.
Importance of Supporting the Church
In the present times of high unemployment and limitations on gathering in the church, it becomes even more crucial to prioritize giving to the church. If we truly love God and value His gifts of forgiveness bestowed through the means of grace, which we receive in the church, we will support it. Our love for the church should be on par with our love for our country and our family. After all, everything we have and everything we are is graciously given to us by God. He spared no expense in providing for our salvation, sacrificing His Son to forgive our sins and grant us eternal life. Moreover, He faithfully provides for all our needs in this earthly life.
Emulating God's Generosity
Our lives within the three spheres of the church, family, and society should reflect the generosity of the One who gave us life in all three at birth. Let us not treat the church as an afterthought or neglect it. It is through the church that we are nurtured and grow in our salvation through the Word and Sacraments.
LCMS Stewardship Ministry: lcms.org/stewardship
LESSONS FROM A FARMER: SUMMER REFLECTIONS ON REVERENCE FOR THE EARTH
Summer often brings to mind the wisdom of pastor Walter Wangerin Jr.'s father-in-law, a farmer. Wangerin writes that farmers have a deep understanding that we are connected to the earth, and the earth belongs to God. While acknowledging that we may not return to an agrarian lifestyle, Wangerin urges us to live on this earth with reverence and respect.
As humans, we have been entrusted with dominion over creation, as stated in Genesis 1:28. Wangerin emphasizes that we are God's representatives in the universe, reflecting His work. Our purpose is to serve God by serving the earth and, in return, receive its provisions.
Farmers exemplify this calling through their diligent care of the soil and the cultivation of seeds, resulting in bountiful harvests. Wangerin concludes that their reverential approach reminds us to honor God and treat creation with kindness, tending to it responsibly.
Based on Measuring the Days, The Newsletter, Volume 40, Number 7
AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL: MAKING GOD THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES
Psalm 118:8, positioned at the heart of the Protestant Bible, conveys a vital message: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans." This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize God as the central focus of our lives. No other person or possession can provide the fulfillment and salvation that God offers. He alone is a secure and unwavering refuge. To deepen our connection with Him, we must anchor ourselves in His Word and align our actions with His will.
A PRAYER FOR THE 4TH OF JULY
Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. We pray for the truth that brings freedom to all. Teach us that liberty is not only something to be cherished but also lived out. Let us recognize that liberty should not be confined to books or selfishly hoarded. Help us understand that our freedom grants us the opportunity to do what is right, rather than merely doing as we please.
Peter Marshall, before the U.S. Senate on May 23, 1947
More Summer 2023 NewslettersÂ
