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Faith & Fellowship Magazine Vol. 22 Jesus / March 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:05:00 -0000

In the second chapter of his gospel narrative, John recounts the story of Jesus changing the water into wine at a wedding reception. In the next chapter, John relates the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus about being born again, culminating in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world…” But between these familiar and much-loved passages, John has sandwiched this account of Jesus cleansing the temple. This appears to be a case of temporary insanity on the part of Jesus. The Jesus we know and love, who works miracles to bless people and graciously invites sinners to find eternal life in himself, has suddenly lost his cool and become an angry, destructive wild man.

What’s going on? Has he really lost his composure? Why is he so angry? What’s become of our gentle savior?

The fact is, this is Jesus, too.

Perhaps we settle for a simplistic view of Christ because it suits us. Jesus came as a humble servant born in a manger, walked the road of suffering and death for us, and now lives eternally to bless us and help us in time of need. Jesus is all about us. Jesus lives for us, exists for us.

Isn’t this starting to sound backward? The cleansing of the temple might serve as a reminder to us that, actually, we now live for him.

Prayer and Faith

CLB Prayer Team — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:52:00 -0000

Have you been praying for a specific request for months, even years? If you are praying this way, it is evidence of your faith. You believe that God can answer your prayer. If you didn’t believe that, you would stop bringing that request to God, wouldn’t you? Your perseverance in prayer reflects your faith.

When God Comes Down

Brent Juliot — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:49:00 -0000

When Jesus walked this earth, it was not as the agent of God. Jesus did not enter the temple as God’s agent to judge corruption any more than he was simply God’s representative dying on the cross for our salvation. He was not just an agent of God. He is God—in the flesh. God died on the cross for sinners.

Divided by Christ

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:47:00 -0000

One overwhelming theme of our present culture is the theme of tolerance: nobody has any right to pass judgment on anyone else. This non-judging culture has created a non-judging Jesus in its own image. But, we must ask, is that the true Jesus?

The Greatest Sinner Who Ever Lived

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:43:00 -0000

We love the many names and titles of Jesus...But what about this name for Jesus? SIN. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians that, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.”

When He Comes

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:40:00 -0000

His first appearance on the earth was anything but noteworthy. No fanfare, no birth announcements, no splashy headlines in the Nazareth Gazette; his birth hardly caused a ripple.

J-Term: My Experience

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:24:00 -0000

My first time at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary J-Term was a helpful and encouraging experience. I was looking forward to “getting my feet wet” in Lutheran Brethren circles and this was a great way to start. Learning from Dr. Ethan Christofferson, one of our missionaries to the Hakka people of Taiwan, was a highlight.

Family Matters - March 2012

Roy Heggland — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:37:00 -0000

You really are perfect because you are in him, the very Son of God, who completely and perfectly lived, died, and lives again for you. Listen to Hebrews 7:25, “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

What Are You Studying?

Cheryl Olsen — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:47:00 -0000

Using Women’s Ministries in the form of weekly Bible Studies in many churches and homes, God is reaching out to women from coast to coast! What are some of their recommendations?

New Location: Grace Lutheran Church

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:38:00 -0000

Grace Lutheran Church of Lynnwood, WA moved to Edmonds, WA in September of 2011.

Turning 50!

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:35:00 -0000

Maple Park Church of Lynnwood, WA is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary on April 21-22, 2012.

In Memory: Rev. Bill Colbeck

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:28:00 -0000

Reverend William H. Colbeck, 75, of Fergus Falls, died Monday, November 14, 2011, at his home. He was a servant of God, an encourager, and a leader. He had a heart and love for other people, displayed through his kindness and generosity.

Big Picture

Troy Tysdal — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:05:00 -0000

Like the people of Judea, our expectations of Jesus don’t always match the promises made to us in Scripture. We want to shape and mold Jesus into our own personal god. A god that protects our finances, our families, and our freedoms. This is a king we can accept, but is it the king we need? Scripture is always challenging us to see the big picture.

The Fab Five

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:24:00 -0000

In the early 90s the Michigan Wolverines had a group of basketball players known as “The Fab Five.” In the early 2010s the Lutheran Brethren found a group of five godly men that, I believe, deserve the title “The Fab Five” even more. Their impact on pastors and congregations in the Lutheran Brethren is what makes our Regional Pastors a team that is truly fabulous.

Living with Hope: Minot Flood Relief Update

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:58:00 -0000

It’s been the most uncomfortable, soul-churning, excruciating journey I’ve ever experienced. Flood waters in our neighborhood rose to cover our entire main floor within a few days of the June 22 evacuation. The water disappeared in July, but the flood remains. For 4,000 families in the Minot, North Dakota area, it will continue for months and even years.

In Memory: Rev. Burton Bundy

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:24:00 -0000

Reverend Burton G. Bundy, 85, died Sunday, December 25, 2011, at Luther Memorial home. Rev. Bundy served as Executive Director of Home Missions for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren in the late 1980's.