Trouble with the Church

Posted on May 9, 2014 by David Nuottila

IMG_1436Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12

It should be obvious; the world has trouble with the church. In virtually all aspects of human life, two messages prevail. The first message seems to be “Get what you can and keep it for yourself.” The second is like it, “Do what you want, when you want.” Of course these messages are contrary to the gospel, and therefore the world has a problem with the church.

Sadly, it often seems Christians also have trouble with the church. I wish I had a dollar for each time someone shared with me the notion “I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian.” I would have a lot of dollars. I would have even more dollars if the phrase, “I experience God in my own way” was included in the deal. Such statements are also contrary to the gospel. It’s for this reason I say even Christians have a problem with the church.

Many have said, the most common reason people remain unchurched is because they don’t see any appreciable difference in the way Christians live their lives. Too often, Christians, especially those who go it alone, give in and pattern their lives according to societal norms rather than the biblical witness. It seems Christians also do what we want, when we want. We get as much as we can and keep it for ourselves. It’s no wonder the world has a problem with the church.

All people are sinners and face temptations that are destructive to their lives and relationships. Even the most devout and spiritual Christians need to be encouraged in their faith. Thinking you can remain faithful on your own is perhaps Satan’s most destructive force. By ourselves we are easy prey for the powers that defy God.

Peter exhorts the church, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” 1 Peter 2:16. He encourages Christians to live, not as the world lives, but faithfully together as God’s redeemed people. The community of faith is the Christian’s sure defense against the powers of sin and death. The very nature of being Christian means we worship together, have fellowship with one another and strengthen one another in faith.

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Taste and See

Posted on May 7, 2014 by David Nuottila

313671_10151325205055280_2120163143_nOh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 34:8

Imagine being on a tropical island, the ocean breeze gently blowing as you relax on the deck of a seaside restaurant. It’s evening, the stars fill the sky and sweet strains of island music fill the air you as dine on freshly prepared seafood garnished with lemony spices. Through the course of the meal you enjoy the frothiness of exotic beverages. The meal concludes with as scrumptious assortment of fruit laden desserts, coconut and freshly whipped cream. Ah… the sensation is so vivid in your mind you can taste it. My friends, such is the grace of God.

In his first epistle to the Church, Peter cites the psalmist and begs the church to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2-3). Like a newborn baby develops a taste for its mother’s milk which feeds and nourishes the body, so too the people of God must develop a taste for God’s word which feeds and nourishes the spirit and faith.

When Peter says “the word that was announced to you” he means especially all the prophecies and promises concerning the Christ which are fulfilled through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Through the living Word that is Christ Jesus, God saves his people. No longer does evil have power over God’s children; no longer can the grave imprison the bodies of the faithful. Christ has triumphed! And so the sweet refrain is sung by those redeemed by God’s grace, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ shall come again!”

As the psalmist reminds us, the Lord is so good. God comes to our rescue, delivers us from our fears and brings us into his everlasting kingdom. The sweetness of God’s love and assurance of his promises are made certain through Christ our Lord. God’s Word is the healing balm for all doubt and fear. Even in the face of evil, the Lord blesses those who call upon his name and sing his praise. The Lord listens and hears as the poor cry out and the hungry beg to be fed. And so it is true, God prepares his table and gathers the faithful for the banquet of heaven.

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!

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Walking to Emmaus

Posted on May 6, 2014 by David Nuottila

DSC_0291That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:13-16

The road to Emmaus must have been lonely and desolate. It’s the road of abandoned hope and broken hearts. It’s the road walked by two disciples on the third day following the crucifixion. Early in the week they greeted Jesus as their king; the future never looked so bright. By week’s end, all hope was lost. Jesus was crucified in shame, his followers were scattered. Instead of the triumph of the Christ, they seemingly witnessed a most horrible defeat. Despair instead of hope had taken hold of their hearts. And so they walked home heartbroken along the Emmaus Road. Yet they were not alone, someone was looking over their shoulder.

Many of us have experienced such a road. We have had a time when our hopes and dreams were shattered. We understand heartbreak and grief can be exhausting. Some can recall wondering if they would ever again experience peace and joy. This is precisely the point when we ought to recognize that feeling that we too are not alone. Someone is looking over our shoulder. Jesus is near.

As the two disciples walked toward their home, a stranger joined them. It was Jesus. He walked with them as they grieved. Opening their minds to the scriptures, Jesus taught them that God’s intent went far beyond the pain of the present day cross; God’s intent is for eternity. He helped them recognize that out of darkness God brings light. Out of despair, God gives hope. Through the Christ, God raises the dead to life.

Finally, Jesus is revealed to the two disciples in Emmaus through the breaking of the bread. For us today, Jesus is revealed in the very same way. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ opens our minds that we might encounter him in scripture. Studying God’s word together, we realize the truth; God sent Jesus into the world in order to save his people from sin and death. Through the bread and wine of the Sacrament, the risen Lord Jesus comes to us with God’s forgiveness and love.

We all walk our own personal Emmaus Road. We all experience some form of tragedy; the loss of a loved one, separation that leads to divorce, loss of employment, loneliness or depression. In times such as these, we are not alone; we are never alone, Christ draws near. This is the Easter message. Easter, is the restoration of hope, the forgiveness of our sins and the joy of salvation. It is the light that dispels all darkness, the life that conquers death. Easter is the reassurance we have when we notice we are not alone. It is the certainty we have when the risen Christ draws near. Easter is the reality of our lives when we ask him to stay with us.

People of God, you are not alone, Christ is with you. Invite him to stay.

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The Great Deception

Posted on May 1, 2014 by David Nuottila

DSC_0592“…behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” Matthew 28:11-14

From Galileo to Columbus and Copernicus, the world has had difficulty accepting challenges to things long believed to be true. The earth is the center of the solar system and the world is flat. When challenged, these long held beliefs found support by kings and emperors. Even Pope Urban VIII brought Galileo to trial because he dared challenge what was thought to be true. One might think that the Church would be open to new possibilities, especially since it is the Church which was born out of such a discovery. After all, once crucified and buried, dead men don’t escape the grave.

The morning of Jesus’ resurrection, the guards who were posted outside the now empty tomb had a problem. The great stone was rolled away, an angel was sitting upon it and the grave was empty. Of course no one stole the body, the guards saw to that. The only possibility was that Jesus lived up to his word; on the third day he would be raised. Impossible! But how then can they explain everything they saw? After making their report to those in authority, the guards were paid to keep the story from spreading. After all, if the resurrection were real, then everything Jesus said and taught would also be true. People would have to reorder their lives. The priests and Pharisees would have explaining to do. Better to keep it quiet.

Since that first Easter day, the world has tried to do just that; keep witness to the resurrection quiet. Throughout centuries, people have been vigorous in their attempts to debunk the gospels and the resurrection accounts. They come up with all sorts of stories and theories, the oldest one being the one concocted by the temple authorities; the disciples stole his body. Others have concluded that Jesus did not die, and when he was taken from the cross was revived. Still others say Jesus wasn’t crucified at all; it was an imposter who hung on the cross. Try as they might, those who attempt to discount the resurrection can find no new evidence to support their claim; there simply isn’t any.

Jesus’ resurrection demands that people reorder their lives to conform to the example and teaching of Christ. God sent his Son into the world to save people from their sin and that’s just what he did. All who believe and are baptized are saved and have the promise of everlasting life in God’s kingdom. Just as the world is round and the earth revolves around the sun, God’s people are raised to new life through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There really can be no point in raising new questions, defending old assertions and supporting the notion of life without Christ, unless one intends to live apart from God.

Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia

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Jesus said, “Peace be with you.”

Posted on April 28, 2014 by David Nuottila

Communion in the HandEight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” John 20:26

The disciples in our text this morning hardly resemble the bold and courageous men who built the church. Something must have happened that changed them; something must have taken place that brought them out of their fear and gave them great confidence. Something did…Jesus appeared.

Jesus appeared and showed them his hands. Even Thomas, the one who said he wouldn’t believe unless he saw it for himself dropped to his knees and proclaimed Jesus as Lord and God. When Jesus appeared to the disciples he gave them undeniable proof that he was indeed very much alive. He gave them a sense of peace that the world cannot give and he breathed into them the breath of life that can come from no other than God himself. With the power of the Holy Spirit, the disciples believed and fear gave way to peace.

It’s an amazing thing when the peace of Christ comes upon you. All of a sudden the problems and pitfalls of human life aren’t as scary as they once were. When we have the peace of Christ we have the assurance that no matter what happens in this world, this life is but a glimpse into our eternal future with our Lord and God. The peace of Christ doesn’t make everything go away, but it does give us the power to believe God’s promises are true. The peace of Christ brings down the curtain of doubt and fear and gives rise to faith and belief. We know this because Jesus still shows us his hands.

He shows us his hand when people come to the help of others. When those who do the work of the gospel feed the hungry, visit the sick and welcome the strangers among us. Jesus shows us his hands when others pray for us, when our loved ones come to our aid, especially when we feel lost and alone. Jesus shows us his hands so that we can believe our sins are forgiven, that evil has lost its grip on humanity and the grave no longer has power over those who have received the breath of life from our Lord and God.

As Jesus comes to us in real and certain ways, we can live in the peace of God, knowing that Christ is with us always. Through Holy Scripture, our baptism and the Lord’s Supper, Jesus shows us his hands. Through the witness of the saints Christ makes his presence known. In prayer and fellowship among God’s people, Jesus is present feeding, nurturing and strengthening our faith so that we might tell others the good news of Easter. Easter continues, Christ is alive, our sins are forgiven and the promise of God’s kingdom is ours forever.

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