The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (August 12, 2007)
“Much More Valuable” (Luke 12:22-34)
Pastor George Borghardt, in the most recent Higher Things magazine, wrote an article about money and possessions. He encourages his young readers to consider how they spend their money, write out a budget, and to “prioritize what you actually need before what you only think you need or what you really want.” Then, with his typical forthright style, he concludes: “What did you write first on your budget? Was it DVD’s, junk food, or a new stereo for your car? Then that’s your idol. Repent, and erase your idol and start over. It’s to be the Lord first and then you. He will not suffer himself to be second on anyone’s list. You don’t get around to giving to the Lord. No, he’s first, and after him comes everything else.” (Higher Things, Summer 2007, p. 13)
Do you have a budget? If not, take a moment to make a mental list of the things that are most valuable to you. Don’t say “Jesus.” I know that you know that’s already the right answer. Be honest. You have more adult concerns on your budget...not buying DVD’s and junk food and new car stereos. So, what IS at the top of your list? That’s your idol. Repent. Erase your idol. Start over.
You and I have more adult concerns...and the anxieties and worries that accompany those concerns. Mortgages, credit card debt, car repairs, gas bills, the ups and downs of the stock market. Anxiety over your life and your body and your possessions is a sign that one lacks faith. I’m guilty of that. So are you.
Now listen to what Jesus says in today’s Gospel reading: “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” (Luke 12:22)
Next he tells us to “consider” the ravens and the lilies. Contemplate them. Take a good hard look at them. Study them. Shouldn’t be too hard. We have plenty of the raven’s cousin, the crow, around here. Scholars aren’t sure what kind of flower Jesus was talking about when he mentioned the lily. Probably some kind of wild flower. We have plenty of those around here, too. I have a bunch of wild daisies that have taken up residence in my backyard. Take a hike in the woods around here in the spring and summer, and you will see colorful rhodies, delicate bleeding hearts, statuesque fireweeds and foxgloves, and tiny little starflowers.
What does Jesus want us to learn by considering them? Ravens aren’t farmers. They don’t build barns. But God feeds them. Wild flowers don’t know how to operate a sewing machine nor do they shop at outlet malls. But look what beautiful clothes God has given them. Even King Solomon at the height of his glory didn’t have such a wardrobe.
How Much More Valuable are You
Our Lord reminds us, “Of how much more value are you than the birds!” (Luke 12:24) and “How much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:28) You are so much more valuable than birds and flowers.
You are much more valuable because you are God’s special creation. He had a special plan for us human beings. In the beginning, God made everything with a word, but he took the time to form and shape Adam out of the dust of the ground and breathe the breath of life into him. Then, he took the time to make a wife for him from his very own side. Moreover, Genesis 1 teaches us that it was man who was created in the image of God: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Gen 1:27)
You are also much more valuable because you have been redeemed by Christ. Adam and Eve lost the image of God when they sinned in the Garden. They were no longer holy and righteous like God. Their relationship with him and with each other was shattered. And every offspring of Adam and Eve have inherited a sinful nature which produces sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. We are enslaved to sin and death. But God did not leave us in that condition. He promised to send a Savior...and he fulfilled that promise in Christ Jesus. In Christ’s incarnation, his death on the cross, and his rising to life again, you and I have been redeemed...bought back... “not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death, that I may be his own and live under him in his kingdom and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness.” (Luther’s Small Catechism, Explanation to the Second Article)
None of this can be said of anything else in all creation. Nothing else was made in the image of God. Likewise, God did not send a Savior for anyone else but mankind. When Satan led some of the angels in a rebellion against God, God did not send a Savior for them. The Second Person of the Holy Trinity did not become an angel in order to somehow redeem them. Hebrews chapter 2 says, “For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make [a sacrifice of atonement] for the sins of the people.” (Heb 2:16-17)
How Much More Valuable is God’s Kingdom
You are indeed much more valuable than birds or flowers. Christ became a Man for you. Christ died on the cross for you. And he gives you gifts that are much more valuable than anything you can imagine.
I’m not talking here about earthly gifts like food and clothing. God gives these things also to unbelievers, as the Catechism says, “God gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people.” (Small Catechism, Explanation to the Fourth Petition) But those who reject Christ miss out on the most valuable gift. They miss out on God’s Kingdom. God’s kingdom is much more valuable than food and clothing. That’s why Jesus said, “Seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:31)
In God’s Kingdom, he gives eternal gifts even now. In Holy Baptism, your sins are washed away and God’s mark of ownership is placed on you. When the Gospel is preached, you hear that God gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him has forgiveness and eternal life. In Holy Absolution, forgiveness is personally spoken to you from the lips of your pastor. In Holy Communion, you get to kneel at this table here and receive God’s greatest gifts from Jesus who gives his body for you and his blood in the cup of the new covenant. These are the gifts that bring you into God’s Kingdom and keep you in God’s Kingdom. (Just, Luke, 511-12)
God gives us his kingdom. It’s our inheritance. In today’s Old Testament lesson, the Lord told Abraham to “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said, “So shall your offspring be.” And Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Abraham was justified by faith. He was declared righteous in God’s sight. Now, all who share the faith of Abraham are justified and are his true offspring. We inherit God’s Kingdom... not an earthly kingdom, but one which the author of Hebrews calls “a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” (Heb 11:16)
As members of God’s Kingdom, Jesus has already taught us “in the Lord’s Prayer to [ask God] the Father for the things that are truly necessary.” (Just, Luke, 511) And what are those things? Keeping God’s name holy by properly preaching and faithfully listening to God’s truth. Being a part of God’s kingdom by faith in Christ. Giving thanks for the daily bread that God gives. Receiving forgiveness in Christ and forgiving others who sin against us. Resisting temptation with the strength that God provides in Christ.
Therefore, we don’t need to be anxious about our life, what we will eat, or about our body, what we will wear. For sure, we are to be good stewards of our body and our possessions. But it’s not something to be worried about. God knows what we need. He will provide. He DOES provide, if we only have faith to recognize his provision. So we can get rid of those things we don’t really need. Downsize. Simplify. Give to those who have less and thereby provide for them... and through you, it’s really God providing for them. You can do this, because your treasure is in heaven. And for that treasure, you don’t have to take out a mortgage. You don’t have to insure it. You don’t have to clean it. You don’t have to paint it. You don’t have to worry about it getting scratched. You don’t have to worry about flying bugs eating it or laying eggs in it. You don’t have to worry about it getting stolen. You don’t have to worry about not making headway on your payments because the interest is so high.
So, don’t fear little flock. You have a Good Shepherd, and his name is Jesus. No need to worry or be anxious about this heavenly treasure of forgiveness and eternal life. It’s yours in Christ. It’s free of charge.
God loves ravens and lilies. He made them, after all. But you are of much more value than birds and flowers. He loves you. He made you. He redeemed you. In Holy Baptism, he has brought you into his Kingdom. Trust him to provide for you. Rejoice in the eternal treasure that he gives you.
Amen.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
How Stuff Works
While searching for some information for Sunday's sermon (if you really want to know, I needed to know something about moths), I ran across what looks like a fun and informative website. It's called "HowStuffWorks." Apparently, it does just that...explain to you how stuff works. Here's a sample of some of the questions they answer on their homepage...
Or stuff about moths.
- How can light kill viruses?
- How presidential pardons work
- How nicotine works
- How counterfeiting works
Or stuff about moths.
News from ELCA Assembly
Paul McCain is observing and reporting from the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Here's what he reported today on his Cyberbrethren blog about a troubling recent vote:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at its Church wide Assembly just voted to direct all bishops in their church to refrain from, and exercise restraint, in disciplining rostered workers who are in a "mutual, chaste and faithful same-sex relationship."
After several votes turning down efforts to change the ELCA's "Visition and Expectations" document that governs the standards required for rostered workers, in order to permit such relationships, this was a substitute motion to ask at least for there to be an end to any disciplinary efforts against such rostered workers, a "cease fire" or a "time out" as it was put on the floor during the debate.
My sense is that the voting members of the Assembly simply had been worn out emotionally by the plaintive speeches made by, and for, homosexuals in relationships and this was perhaps regarded as a gesture of conciliation. Upon further reflection perhaps a number who voted for this will realize that they have, effectively, just given a green light to what in Scripture is very much a large, flashing red light and "danger" sign.
The best speech on this matter, in my opinion, was given by a dairy farmer from Wisconsin who rose and said, simply and powerfully:
I've listened to the debates over homosexuality all week. This debate is literally breaking my heart. In this post-modern world which says everyone defines what is right or wrong for himself/herself, the idea of discipline for violating boundaries is viewed as injustice. We can not live our lives without boundaries. I'm a dairy farmer and I work daily around large animals and large pieces of equipment. We raised five children who always wanted to be with dad. Because I loved them I built a fence and they had to stay in the boundaries of the fence, even if they cried or begged. They could climb out. When they did they were disciplined. It did not matter how much they wanted to be with me, or I with them. Our Creator has given us boundaries, if we could live within those boundaries a need for discipline would not exist.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Christianity Booming in China
Since adopting a daughter from China, I have developed a soft spot in my heart for China and the Chinese people. Note below what Gene Veith posted on his blog recently about conversions to Christianity in China.
According to this report posted by Michelle Malkin, 10,000 Chinese are converting to Christianity every day. And this in the teeth of persecution.
It would seem that the most dramatic and real church growth comes not from conforming to the culture but from standing up to a hostile culture and enduring persecution.
Michelle also cites a book by my friend and colleague at Patrick Henry College, David Aikman, who did the pioneering research on the Christian explosion in China: Jesus in Beijing: How Chrisitanity is Changing the Global Balance
of Power.(From cranach.worldmagblog.com)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Upcoming HS Youth Retreat
“How to Argue About Jesus”
A High School Retreat Sponsored by Higher Things
and Messiah Lutheran Church, Marysville, WA
October 12-14, 2007
Warm Beach Christian Conference Center
Stanwood, WA
ABOUT OUR RETREAT: Have you ever been in an argument about Jesus and it turned mean? Ever been told that arguing is wrong or futile? Ever felt bad because the other guy seemed to beat you in an argument on religious matters and you knew that you were right because of what the Bible says? Then Pastor Klemet Preus can probably help you! During this retreat, he will show you that many important Bible figures such as Paul, Isaiah, and even Jesus himself argued about theology. He will also show you how to avoid the pitfalls that lead to hard feelings and how to present your beliefs with calm certainty. This retreat about “How to Argue About Jesus” is for anyone who likes to talk or listen to things concerning our Lord and Savior. We hope to see you there!
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ABOUT OUR FEATURED SPEAKER: Pastor Klemet Preus was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His formative years were spent in St. Louis, Missouri where he attended Lutheran and public schools. He graduated from Concordia College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield Illinois. He has written articles on a variety of subjects, edited a book of his father’s sermons entitled Preaching to Young Theologians, and is the author of a recently published book entitled The Fire and the Staff, which is a discussion of the relationship between doctrine and practice in the church. The father of four children, Pastor Preus lives in Plymouth, Minnesota with his wife Janet where he serves as the president of Higher Things and pastor of Glory of Christ Lutheran Church.
ALSO SCHEDULED: The Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer, Director of Admission at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana will join us to speak about “Christ in Popular Culture.” Rev. Stiegemeyer was born and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. A product of Lutheran schools, K-12, he attended Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1987-1991. There he met his wife, Julie, who is now an accomplished children’s book author. They have one child, a son, Jacob. Rev. Stiegemeyer served as pastor to Concordia Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A 1995 graduate from CTS, he returned to be the Director of Admission in 2006.
COST: $160 per participant, both youth and adult leaders. Price includes two night’s lodging, five meals, complimentary t-shirt, and speaker travel expenses.
REGISTRATION: Each group must fill out a “Group Registration” form, along with “Individual Registration” forms for each participant. Each group is also expected to provide at least one adult leader and sufficient transportation to shuttle your group to Messiah on Sunday morning. Completed forms with checks payable to “Messiah Lutheran Church” must be postmarked no later than September 28, 2007. All forms are included with this mailing with instructions on where to mail them. Space is limited to 40 participants, so register soon.
WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, towel for showers, Bible, nice clothes for church on Sunday, money for recreation activities (see info about Free Time), frisbee if you wish to play disk golf (see info about Free Time), other personal necessities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Pastor Kurt Onken at Messiah Lutheran Church at 360-659-4112 or via email at pastor@messiah-lcms.org.
Tentative Schedule
Friday
5:00 – 7:00 pm Arrive/Registration
7:00 pm Dinner
8:15 – 9:00 pm Preus I
9:00 – 9:15 pm Break
9:15 – 10:00 pm Organized Fun
10:00 pm Compline
Saturday
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 – 9:15 am Responsive Prayer 2
9:15 – 10:00 am Preus II
10:00 – 10:15 am Break
10:15 – 11:00 am Stiegemeyer I
11:00 – 11:05 am Break
11:05 – 11:50 am Preus III
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 – 5:00 pm Free time/Recreation *
5:05 – 5:20 pm Responsive Prayer I
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 – 7:45 pm Stiegemeyer II
7:45 – 8:00 pm Break
8:00 – 8:45 pm Preus IV
8:45 – 9:45 pm Organized Fun
10:00 pm Compline
Sunday
8:00 am Breakfast
After breakfast Clean-up and pack
9:45 am Depart for Messiah
10:30 am Divine Service at Messiah
*During free time there will be a variety of recreational opportunities provided at Warm Beach Camp. See the information included regarding those opportunities.
Recreation Opportunities
Warm Beach offers a variety of recreational opportunities. These will be offered during free time on Saturday afternoon. Make sure you bring enough money to participate in the activities in which you are interested.
Horseback Trail Rides
$13 per session/per rider
The Trail rides leave from the Stable area at 45 minute to 1 hour intervals, traveling single file through selected trails. The number of riders per session is 10 to 18 depending on the demand and type of group. Tickets are purchased through the receptionist starting at 8:00 am for sessions. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Climbing Tower
$8 per climber per hour
The Climbing Tower is a three-sided, 40’ tower with varying degrees of climbing challenge. Climbs are set up for 6 to 18 climbers per session. Facilitators help climbers on the tower in a way that teaches safety, new skills and outlooks. Rock-like hand and foot holds teach you to defy gravity as you tackle the three sides of our forty-foot Climbing Tower. Conquer "The Wall" and your fears, in a fun, safe, exciting and supportive environment. Tickets are purchased through the receptionist starting at 8:00 am for sessions. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
High Ropes Challenge Course
$10 per participant per hour
The High Ropes Challenge Course consists of different elements made out of wood, rope, and cable, 25’ above the ground. Sessions are set up for 10 participants per session. Facilitators help users through the various elements in a way that teaches safety, new skill and outlooks. The purpose is to get people out of their comfort zone into a situation of “perceived risk” where growth occurs from facing fears and challenges. Tickets are purchased through the receptionist starting at 8:00 am for sessions. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Giant Zip Lines
$5 per person
The Giant Zip Lines consist of two, side-by-side zip lines stretched out across a large canyon. Facilitators oversee every aspect of this exhilarating activity to ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience. Tickets are purchased through the receptionist starting at 8:00 am for sessions. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mini Golf
$3 per person
Nine holes of fun are waiting for you at the Miniature Golf Course. Located next to the swimming pools and tennis courts, the course is great recreation for all ages.
Disk Golf
No cost
Played similar to ball golf, but uses specially designed flying discs thrown at metal "pole holes," or elevated baskets. Nine hole course. No charge. Disks (frisbees) are available for purchase at $3 each, or you may bring your own.
Recreation Fields and Gymnasium
Warm Beach has large recreation fields to toss a ball around or to play large group games. The Gymnasium will also be available for shooting hoops or playing volleyball.
Driving Directions
Warm Beach Christian Camps and Conference Center
20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292, 360-652-7575 / 800-228-6724
From Points North (Mt Vernon, Bellingham)
• Going South on I-5 take exit 212 (Stanwood/Camano Island).
• Turn right onto Hwy 532 and travel approximately 5 1/4 miles west to Stanwood.
• Turn left at the 3rd light onto 88th Ave NW and go 1/4 mile to stop sign.
• Turn right onto Marine Drive and travel south for approximately 4 miles to Camp entrance on the right.
From Points South (Marysville, Everett)
• Going North on I-5 take exit 206 (Lakewood/Smokey Point).
• Turn left onto 172nd St NE, cross over freeway and proceed approximately 2 1/4 miles to the second stop sign.
• Turn right onto Hwy 531 (Lakewood Road) and travel approximately 6 miles to the stop sign at Marine Drive.
• Turn right onto Marine Drive and go approximately 1 1/4 miles to Camp entrance on the left.
A High School Retreat Sponsored by Higher Things
and Messiah Lutheran Church, Marysville, WA
October 12-14, 2007
Warm Beach Christian Conference Center
Stanwood, WA
ABOUT OUR RETREAT: Have you ever been in an argument about Jesus and it turned mean? Ever been told that arguing is wrong or futile? Ever felt bad because the other guy seemed to beat you in an argument on religious matters and you knew that you were right because of what the Bible says? Then Pastor Klemet Preus can probably help you! During this retreat, he will show you that many important Bible figures such as Paul, Isaiah, and even Jesus himself argued about theology. He will also show you how to avoid the pitfalls that lead to hard feelings and how to present your beliefs with calm certainty. This retreat about “How to Argue About Jesus” is for anyone who likes to talk or listen to things concerning our Lord and Savior. We hope to see you there!
.jpg)
ABOUT OUR FEATURED SPEAKER: Pastor Klemet Preus was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His formative years were spent in St. Louis, Missouri where he attended Lutheran and public schools. He graduated from Concordia College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield Illinois. He has written articles on a variety of subjects, edited a book of his father’s sermons entitled Preaching to Young Theologians, and is the author of a recently published book entitled The Fire and the Staff, which is a discussion of the relationship between doctrine and practice in the church. The father of four children, Pastor Preus lives in Plymouth, Minnesota with his wife Janet where he serves as the president of Higher Things and pastor of Glory of Christ Lutheran Church.
ALSO SCHEDULED: The Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer, Director of Admission at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana will join us to speak about “Christ in Popular Culture.” Rev. Stiegemeyer was born and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. A product of Lutheran schools, K-12, he attended Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1987-1991. There he met his wife, Julie, who is now an accomplished children’s book author. They have one child, a son, Jacob. Rev. Stiegemeyer served as pastor to Concordia Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A 1995 graduate from CTS, he returned to be the Director of Admission in 2006.COST: $160 per participant, both youth and adult leaders. Price includes two night’s lodging, five meals, complimentary t-shirt, and speaker travel expenses.
REGISTRATION: Each group must fill out a “Group Registration” form, along with “Individual Registration” forms for each participant. Each group is also expected to provide at least one adult leader and sufficient transportation to shuttle your group to Messiah on Sunday morning. Completed forms with checks payable to “Messiah Lutheran Church” must be postmarked no later than September 28, 2007. All forms are included with this mailing with instructions on where to mail them. Space is limited to 40 participants, so register soon.
WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, towel for showers, Bible, nice clothes for church on Sunday, money for recreation activities (see info about Free Time), frisbee if you wish to play disk golf (see info about Free Time), other personal necessities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Pastor Kurt Onken at Messiah Lutheran Church at 360-659-4112 or via email at pastor@messiah-lcms.org.
Tentative Schedule
Friday
5:00 – 7:00 pm Arrive/Registration
7:00 pm Dinner
8:15 – 9:00 pm Preus I
9:00 – 9:15 pm Break
9:15 – 10:00 pm Organized Fun
10:00 pm Compline
Saturday
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 – 9:15 am Responsive Prayer 2
9:15 – 10:00 am Preus II
10:00 – 10:15 am Break
10:15 – 11:00 am Stiegemeyer I
11:00 – 11:05 am Break
11:05 – 11:50 am Preus III
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 – 5:00 pm Free time/Recreation *
5:05 – 5:20 pm Responsive Prayer I
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 – 7:45 pm Stiegemeyer II
7:45 – 8:00 pm Break
8:00 – 8:45 pm Preus IV
8:45 – 9:45 pm Organized Fun
10:00 pm Compline
Sunday
8:00 am Breakfast
After breakfast Clean-up and pack
9:45 am Depart for Messiah
10:30 am Divine Service at Messiah
*During free time there will be a variety of recreational opportunities provided at Warm Beach Camp. See the information included regarding those opportunities.
Recreation Opportunities
Warm Beach offers a variety of recreational opportunities. These will be offered during free time on Saturday afternoon. Make sure you bring enough money to participate in the activities in which you are interested.
Horseback Trail Rides
$13 per session/per rider
The Trail rides leave from the Stable area at 45 minute to 1 hour intervals, traveling single file through selected trails. The number of riders per session is 10 to 18 depending on the demand and type of group. Tickets are purchased through the receptionist starting at 8:00 am for sessions. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Climbing Tower
$8 per climber per hour
The Climbing Tower is a three-sided, 40’ tower with varying degrees of climbing challenge. Climbs are set up for 6 to 18 climbers per session. Facilitators help climbers on the tower in a way that teaches safety, new skills and outlooks. Rock-like hand and foot holds teach you to defy gravity as you tackle the three sides of our forty-foot Climbing Tower. Conquer "The Wall" and your fears, in a fun, safe, exciting and supportive environment. Tickets are purchased through the receptionist starting at 8:00 am for sessions. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
High Ropes Challenge Course
$10 per participant per hour
The High Ropes Challenge Course consists of different elements made out of wood, rope, and cable, 25’ above the ground. Sessions are set up for 10 participants per session. Facilitators help users through the various elements in a way that teaches safety, new skill and outlooks. The purpose is to get people out of their comfort zone into a situation of “perceived risk” where growth occurs from facing fears and challenges. Tickets are purchased through the receptionist starting at 8:00 am for sessions. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Giant Zip Lines
$5 per person
The Giant Zip Lines consist of two, side-by-side zip lines stretched out across a large canyon. Facilitators oversee every aspect of this exhilarating activity to ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience. Tickets are purchased through the receptionist starting at 8:00 am for sessions. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mini Golf
$3 per person
Nine holes of fun are waiting for you at the Miniature Golf Course. Located next to the swimming pools and tennis courts, the course is great recreation for all ages.
Disk Golf
No cost
Played similar to ball golf, but uses specially designed flying discs thrown at metal "pole holes," or elevated baskets. Nine hole course. No charge. Disks (frisbees) are available for purchase at $3 each, or you may bring your own.
Recreation Fields and Gymnasium
Warm Beach has large recreation fields to toss a ball around or to play large group games. The Gymnasium will also be available for shooting hoops or playing volleyball.
Driving Directions
Warm Beach Christian Camps and Conference Center
20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292, 360-652-7575 / 800-228-6724
From Points North (Mt Vernon, Bellingham)
• Going South on I-5 take exit 212 (Stanwood/Camano Island).
• Turn right onto Hwy 532 and travel approximately 5 1/4 miles west to Stanwood.
• Turn left at the 3rd light onto 88th Ave NW and go 1/4 mile to stop sign.
• Turn right onto Marine Drive and travel south for approximately 4 miles to Camp entrance on the right.
From Points South (Marysville, Everett)
• Going North on I-5 take exit 206 (Lakewood/Smokey Point).
• Turn left onto 172nd St NE, cross over freeway and proceed approximately 2 1/4 miles to the second stop sign.
• Turn right onto Hwy 531 (Lakewood Road) and travel approximately 6 miles to the stop sign at Marine Drive.
• Turn right onto Marine Drive and go approximately 1 1/4 miles to Camp entrance on the left.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Issues, Etc. August Topics
Sunday, August 12
"Responding to Arguments Against Scripture Alone"
Rev. Steven Parks of University Hills Lutheran Church-Denver, CO
Sunday, August 19
"Numbers in the Bible"
Dr. David Adams of Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO
Sunday, August 26
"The Apocrypha: Books Between the Old & New Testaments"
Dr. Dean Wenthe of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN
Issues, Etc. airs LIVE Sundays from 8-9 p.m. on KGNW, 820 AM in Seattle.
The link below contains the latest information on Issues, Etc. topics and guests.
http://issuesetc.org/shows.htm
"Responding to Arguments Against Scripture Alone"
Rev. Steven Parks of University Hills Lutheran Church-Denver, CO
Sunday, August 19
"Numbers in the Bible"
Dr. David Adams of Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO
Sunday, August 26
"The Apocrypha: Books Between the Old & New Testaments"
Dr. Dean Wenthe of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN
Issues, Etc. airs LIVE Sundays from 8-9 p.m. on KGNW, 820 AM in Seattle.
The link below contains the latest information on Issues, Etc. topics and guests.
http://issuesetc.org/shows.htm
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Pictures from Summer Youth Retreat
Here are some pictures from our Youth Retreat at Valley Camp in North Bend, July 30-August 1, 2007.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Harry Potter and Christianity
Here are two recent items discussing the Harry Potter books and their connection to Christian and biblical themes. The first is from Gene Veith's blog and the other is from GetReligion.
Christianity in the new Harry Potter book?
Rowling dispels Christian critics
Christianity in the new Harry Potter book?
Rowling dispels Christian critics
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (August 5, 2007)
“A Fresh Start” (Colossians 3:1-11)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Fresh starts. Everybody loves fresh starts. Starting over again. Putting the past behind you. A new job. A new chance to prove that you can really shine. A new school year. A new chance to improve those grades that weren’t so hot last year. A reconciled family relationship. A chance to catch up on all those missed years. A makeover. A new confidence in the way you carry yourself and present yourself to other people because of that stylish hair and that cool outfit. A new resolve to live a more god-pleasing life. A new heartfelt intent to put some of the sinful things in your life behind you and do the right thing.
The world got a fresh start when Jesus rose to life on Easter morning. That day was the first day of a new creation. The price for our sins was paid in full at the cross on Good Friday. Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, took the punishment that we deserved for our sins and gives us eternal life as a gift of His immeasurable love, as God’s Word says, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus paid what we owe. He gives us what He earned.
Now, the past is behind us. Our sins are forgiven. The resurrection of Jesus proved His power over sin and death. It proves that all He said in the Bible is true. It proves that we can all have a fresh start in Christ.
I remember a catchy little ditty we used to sing at Arrowhead Lutheran Camp in California. It also speaks of the fresh start that we have in Christ. It went like this: “Every morning is Easter morning from now on. Every day is resurrection day. The past is over and gone…I am one of the Easter people. My new life has begun.”
In our text today from St. Paul’s letter to the church at Colosse, we learn that because of Christ, we are Easter people...not just on Easter Sunday, but every day because we are baptized into Christ. We have new life now, and there is a new life promised to us in the future.
Chapter 3 of St. Pauls letter to the Colossians begins, “If then you have been raised with Christ.” He’s not saying there’s a possibility that you aren’t. He’s saying that since you are raised with Christ, now here’s what your life will be like. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, so too are you. Your new life has begun. A fresh start.
But our circumstances often speak otherwise. Raised with Christ? New life? A fresh start? It sure doesn’t feel like it. Our fresh starts sometimes go stale. Things don’t seem to go as we had planned. Our lives don’t feel like they are raised up. More often than not, we’re sunk down in the pits. Just when things start to seem like they’re going good again, things take a turn for the worse. You were doing better in school, and then things got tough again. Your cancer treatments were going well, you were feeling pretty good, and then the doctor says the tumor has grown and spread. You were enjoying that renewed family relationship, when all of a sudden somebody took something you said the wrong way, and feelings were hurt again. You were ready to leave on vacation to get refreshed and revitalized, but your car suddenly needed an expensive repair and you had to cancel your trip.
Or how about this one? You were doing better with that particular sin that was really bothering you, and you really felt the Lord helping you in your struggle against temptation, but then, all of sudden, you found yourself slipping back into old habits. You recognize yourself in Paul’s description of things that are earthly: “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness”...not to mention “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk.”
Whether you feel like it or not, dear friends, believe God’s sure word. “You have been raised with Christ.” It is a reality no matter what your circumstances are. You have died and you have been raised with Christ.
Earlier in the letter, Paul explains how this is the case. In last week’s reading from Colossians chapter 2, he writes that you were “buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh [meaning that spiritually dead sinful nature with which we are all born], God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Through Baptism and by faith in Jesus Christ, we are truly alive. We have been raised to have new spiritual life.
St. Paul also says in today’s reading, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Now, of course, you haven’t literally died. But in Christ, you have figuratively died to certain things.
You have died to the things of this world. Paul might have said, “you were entombed.” A person who is entombed is dead and cares nothing for earthly things. The things of this world no longer have the number one priority in our lives now that we are God’s new creation.
You have died to any threats or claims made upon us because of our sin. You are forgiven and set free from the guilt and the shame that our sin brings upon us, because Jesus suffered and died with your guilt and shame upon him at the cross.
You have died to the devil’s power or ability to reach you. Your life is hidden with Christ. You are “tucked away” among God’s chosen ones. Were you afraid of monsters at night as a child? I was. There was a time when I was convinced that there were monsters in my closet and under my bed. But as long as I was “tucked away” safely under the blankets…as long as the blankets were over me…I were safe. I was invisible! The monsters couldn’t even see that big lump in the bed. Likewise, you are “tucked away” in Christ, hidden from the devil’s view and beyond his reach to harm you. Nothing can take away your joy in Christ, in spite of your circumstances.
Now that we are raised with Christ in Baptism and by faith…now that we have a fresh start in Christ’s resurrection power…you can now “seek the things that are above.” You can “set your minds on things that are above.” Our desires and our thoughts are also made new in Christ. We can look heavenward and think about things far above, far removed from the sins and sorrows of our world. We can reflect on and rest in the forgiveness that comes from heaven. We can draw strength and comfort for daily living that comes from heaven. We can rejoice in the fact that we are God’s baptized children. Luther, in the Small Catechism, said to do this daily. Remember your baptism. He encourages us first thing in the morning to make the sign of the holy cross and say, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”…the same words and the same sign of the cross that was made over us when we were baptized. We remember that “the Old Adam in us [our old sinful nature] should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” Like an old, torn up, ragged shirt, we have taken off “the old self with its practices.” In its place, we now wear some snazzy new clothes...or as Paul calls them, “the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Our new wardrobe is the righteousness of Christ, and with it the knowledge that we are a new creation in him. A fresh start. A daily resurrection of sorts as we wake from sleep and start each new day remembering who we are in Christ Jesus.
Paul also urges us to set our minds on things above “where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” This means that Jesus Christ rules and reigns for the good of His Church with all power and authority. He is not far away. He is present with us. We are in the company of our King. Our God has power over our depression, our despair, our death. He gives us new hearts that now are concerned about our neighbor’s well-being. Lives that were previously incapable of doing anything pleasing to God now are willing to do what pleases Him.
The resurrection informs and shapes our life now, the new life we have today in him. It also informs and shapes the new life that is promised to us in the future. Paul writes in verse 3, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” We are raised now, but we also look forward to a future resurrection…our real bodily resurrection.
In one of his lighter moments, Benjamin Franklin penned his own epitaph. He didn't profess to be a Christian, but it seems he must have been influenced by Paul's teaching on the resurrection of the body. Here's what Franklin wrote: “The Body of B. Franklin, Printer, Like the Cover of an old Book Its contents torn out, And stript of its Lettering and Guilding, Lies here, Food for Worms, But the Work shall not be wholly lost: For it will, as he believ'd, Appear once more In a new & more perfect Edition, Corrected and amended by the Author.
Yes, our glorious body will be like Christ’s glorious body on the Last Day, immortal, never to die again. Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of our future resurrection, as Romans 6 teaches, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.” An eternal fresh start! A body free from aches and breaks and cancers and comas and sagging and SIN!
Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of the resurrection of all who have been baptized into Christ Jesus and who trust in Him as the one who died and rose to take away their sins. It’s the guarantee of a fresh start now and the promise of eternal life in heaven.
Every morning is Easter morning from now on. Every day is resurrection day. The past is over and gone. You are one of the Easter people. Your new life has begun.
Amen.
“A Fresh Start” (Colossians 3:1-11)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Fresh starts. Everybody loves fresh starts. Starting over again. Putting the past behind you. A new job. A new chance to prove that you can really shine. A new school year. A new chance to improve those grades that weren’t so hot last year. A reconciled family relationship. A chance to catch up on all those missed years. A makeover. A new confidence in the way you carry yourself and present yourself to other people because of that stylish hair and that cool outfit. A new resolve to live a more god-pleasing life. A new heartfelt intent to put some of the sinful things in your life behind you and do the right thing.
The world got a fresh start when Jesus rose to life on Easter morning. That day was the first day of a new creation. The price for our sins was paid in full at the cross on Good Friday. Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, took the punishment that we deserved for our sins and gives us eternal life as a gift of His immeasurable love, as God’s Word says, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus paid what we owe. He gives us what He earned.
Now, the past is behind us. Our sins are forgiven. The resurrection of Jesus proved His power over sin and death. It proves that all He said in the Bible is true. It proves that we can all have a fresh start in Christ.
I remember a catchy little ditty we used to sing at Arrowhead Lutheran Camp in California. It also speaks of the fresh start that we have in Christ. It went like this: “Every morning is Easter morning from now on. Every day is resurrection day. The past is over and gone…I am one of the Easter people. My new life has begun.”
In our text today from St. Paul’s letter to the church at Colosse, we learn that because of Christ, we are Easter people...not just on Easter Sunday, but every day because we are baptized into Christ. We have new life now, and there is a new life promised to us in the future.
Chapter 3 of St. Pauls letter to the Colossians begins, “If then you have been raised with Christ.” He’s not saying there’s a possibility that you aren’t. He’s saying that since you are raised with Christ, now here’s what your life will be like. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, so too are you. Your new life has begun. A fresh start.
But our circumstances often speak otherwise. Raised with Christ? New life? A fresh start? It sure doesn’t feel like it. Our fresh starts sometimes go stale. Things don’t seem to go as we had planned. Our lives don’t feel like they are raised up. More often than not, we’re sunk down in the pits. Just when things start to seem like they’re going good again, things take a turn for the worse. You were doing better in school, and then things got tough again. Your cancer treatments were going well, you were feeling pretty good, and then the doctor says the tumor has grown and spread. You were enjoying that renewed family relationship, when all of a sudden somebody took something you said the wrong way, and feelings were hurt again. You were ready to leave on vacation to get refreshed and revitalized, but your car suddenly needed an expensive repair and you had to cancel your trip.
Or how about this one? You were doing better with that particular sin that was really bothering you, and you really felt the Lord helping you in your struggle against temptation, but then, all of sudden, you found yourself slipping back into old habits. You recognize yourself in Paul’s description of things that are earthly: “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness”...not to mention “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk.”
Whether you feel like it or not, dear friends, believe God’s sure word. “You have been raised with Christ.” It is a reality no matter what your circumstances are. You have died and you have been raised with Christ.
Earlier in the letter, Paul explains how this is the case. In last week’s reading from Colossians chapter 2, he writes that you were “buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh [meaning that spiritually dead sinful nature with which we are all born], God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Through Baptism and by faith in Jesus Christ, we are truly alive. We have been raised to have new spiritual life.
St. Paul also says in today’s reading, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Now, of course, you haven’t literally died. But in Christ, you have figuratively died to certain things.
You have died to the things of this world. Paul might have said, “you were entombed.” A person who is entombed is dead and cares nothing for earthly things. The things of this world no longer have the number one priority in our lives now that we are God’s new creation.
You have died to any threats or claims made upon us because of our sin. You are forgiven and set free from the guilt and the shame that our sin brings upon us, because Jesus suffered and died with your guilt and shame upon him at the cross.
You have died to the devil’s power or ability to reach you. Your life is hidden with Christ. You are “tucked away” among God’s chosen ones. Were you afraid of monsters at night as a child? I was. There was a time when I was convinced that there were monsters in my closet and under my bed. But as long as I was “tucked away” safely under the blankets…as long as the blankets were over me…I were safe. I was invisible! The monsters couldn’t even see that big lump in the bed. Likewise, you are “tucked away” in Christ, hidden from the devil’s view and beyond his reach to harm you. Nothing can take away your joy in Christ, in spite of your circumstances.
Now that we are raised with Christ in Baptism and by faith…now that we have a fresh start in Christ’s resurrection power…you can now “seek the things that are above.” You can “set your minds on things that are above.” Our desires and our thoughts are also made new in Christ. We can look heavenward and think about things far above, far removed from the sins and sorrows of our world. We can reflect on and rest in the forgiveness that comes from heaven. We can draw strength and comfort for daily living that comes from heaven. We can rejoice in the fact that we are God’s baptized children. Luther, in the Small Catechism, said to do this daily. Remember your baptism. He encourages us first thing in the morning to make the sign of the holy cross and say, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”…the same words and the same sign of the cross that was made over us when we were baptized. We remember that “the Old Adam in us [our old sinful nature] should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” Like an old, torn up, ragged shirt, we have taken off “the old self with its practices.” In its place, we now wear some snazzy new clothes...or as Paul calls them, “the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Our new wardrobe is the righteousness of Christ, and with it the knowledge that we are a new creation in him. A fresh start. A daily resurrection of sorts as we wake from sleep and start each new day remembering who we are in Christ Jesus.
Paul also urges us to set our minds on things above “where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” This means that Jesus Christ rules and reigns for the good of His Church with all power and authority. He is not far away. He is present with us. We are in the company of our King. Our God has power over our depression, our despair, our death. He gives us new hearts that now are concerned about our neighbor’s well-being. Lives that were previously incapable of doing anything pleasing to God now are willing to do what pleases Him.
The resurrection informs and shapes our life now, the new life we have today in him. It also informs and shapes the new life that is promised to us in the future. Paul writes in verse 3, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” We are raised now, but we also look forward to a future resurrection…our real bodily resurrection.
In one of his lighter moments, Benjamin Franklin penned his own epitaph. He didn't profess to be a Christian, but it seems he must have been influenced by Paul's teaching on the resurrection of the body. Here's what Franklin wrote: “The Body of B. Franklin, Printer, Like the Cover of an old Book Its contents torn out, And stript of its Lettering and Guilding, Lies here, Food for Worms, But the Work shall not be wholly lost: For it will, as he believ'd, Appear once more In a new & more perfect Edition, Corrected and amended by the Author.
Yes, our glorious body will be like Christ’s glorious body on the Last Day, immortal, never to die again. Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of our future resurrection, as Romans 6 teaches, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.” An eternal fresh start! A body free from aches and breaks and cancers and comas and sagging and SIN!
Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of the resurrection of all who have been baptized into Christ Jesus and who trust in Him as the one who died and rose to take away their sins. It’s the guarantee of a fresh start now and the promise of eternal life in heaven.
Every morning is Easter morning from now on. Every day is resurrection day. The past is over and gone. You are one of the Easter people. Your new life has begun.
Amen.
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