GOD'S WILL

"Human words find it hard to express the depth of Jesus' divine words. But He was saying, in the most literal way, that God's will should be sought & it should be obeyed."  Jack Perry, Men's Devotional Bible

DEATH

"While death is a great enemy & we fear its strength because we know we deserve it, we also know that Christ Jesus came to win forgiveness for all sins, & this forgiveness brings victory over death itself. The victory is yours. Jesus has destroyed the power of the devil. Satan tells lies to God's children saying that death will conquer them because of their great sins, sins too great even for Jesus. But the Son of God destroyed the power of death & the devil by shedding His own blood:

"Since therefore the children share in flesh & blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, & deliver those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Heb.2:14-15)

"Jesus Christ is the resurrection & the life (John 11:25). His resurrection from the grave on the third day & your Baptism into His incorruptible life delivers to you the forgiveness you need.This Gospel delivers you from death & the devil. Jesus promises you a place in His Father' House, the glory of heaven & the resurrection of your own body, a glorious rising on that awe-full day. So, let us live & die unafraid, & see the grave as no more fearful than our cozy beds."  Rev. Benjamin Ball, The Lutheran Witness, SEP 2020

A SURVEY

Gallup did a poll & figured out that 81% of all American households own Bibles. In fact the average American home contains 4.4 Bibles . . . But this same survey found out that only 21% of Americans . . . actually ever read their Bibles . . . [I think we own 6 Bibles.]

Another survey tells us that of 85% of professing Christians, the kind who'll, show up on a snowy Sunday . . . have never read through the entire Bible . . . 

Another survey tells us that of professing Cristians, 52% didn't know who preached the Sermon on the Mount. 58% said they didn't know the book of Jonah was in the Bible. 70% agreed with this statement, "God helps those who help themselves . . . that's not from the Bible.In act, God helps those who cannot help themselves. 15% agreed the four gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luther, & John.  Rev. Chris Asbury, Grace Lutheran Church newsletter, NOV 2020