Christmas Greetings

• Subscribe
• Share
• Past Issues
• RSS
• Translate

Jesus is the reason for the Season!  View this email in your browser

Have You Seen the Light?

Dear Weekly Readers!

May the Peace of God be with you, and may you and yours truly see the light that lightens the world even today!   Please enjoy the article below!

May God Bless your week!  John R.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luk2:29-32

THUS SPOKE THE DEVOUT AND RIGHTEOUS Simeon when his eyes beheld the Christ-child to whose coming he had earnestly looked forward, for God had revealed to him that he would not see death before he saw the salvation which God had prepared for all people. This man believed the Word of God which had been spoken by His prophets of old, and he looked for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, he alone with the prophetess Anna, of that great multitude of people in Jerusalem, knew Jesus as the Christ whom God had prepared as the Savior of the world. The multitude, although seeing Him, did not know Him, for they did not believe or understand the Word of God.

So it has been throughout all the ages, even unto our day, that the salvation of God has been in the midst of the people but because of their unbelief they did not see or understand. Only the humble brother Simeon and sister Anna, whose eyes had been opened by faith and whose understandings had been enlightened by the Holy Spirit, were able to see and know Him when He appeared in their midst, for God had taught them to look for His coming, not with pomp and glory, but in a humble and lowly manner.

Thus He has always been found among the humble and lowly, among the despised and rejected of men, even as was He Himself. They too, like Simeon and Anna, have taken Him to themselves and blessed God for His salvation, goodness and grace toward sinful men; and the desire has come to them also that they might depart in peace from this vale of sorrow and sin for that glorious home that they have seen with the eyes of faith.

Surely, this light has enlightened the Gentiles and is to the glory of His people Israel.  Compared with the multitudes of even the people, few have seen the light and received the Lord. Dear reader, are you among those few? If not, why? Have you been looking for Him where He is not found? Have your eyes been uplifted? Are you searching the vaulted skies? Cast your eyes down, for lo, He descended from His glory on high and has come to His own, the lowly, humble and despised of the world who have received Him. He has given them power to become the sons of God, for they have believed on His name.

He is here, beloved, though you cannot see Him with your natural eyes like Simeon and Anna beheld Him but He Himself said, “Blessed is he that seeth not but nevertheless believeth.” Just as assuredly as you believe that Christ was born in Bethlehem 1929 years ago and you are celebrating this Christmas Day in commemoration of that eventful day, just so assuredly is He here in our midst, yea, and still is with His own unto whom He came. They are those who are ontinuing the work that He began, preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ and because of His shed blood. Do not allow Him to go unnoticed by you this Christmas Day but receive Him to yourself by letting Him make your heart His abiding place.

Therefore, despise not the lowly children of God, for in so doing, you despise Him. He said, “He that despiseth you, despiseth Me, and He that receiveth you, receiveth Me and Him that sent Me,” for “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Receive Him, oh contrite and sinsick souls, by receiving His children and His blessing that is proclaimed by them, namely, the forgiveness of all your sins, and you shall receive the true Christmas Spirit, which is the Holy Spirit that brings with it joy and peace and rejoicing over the salvation that God has prepared before the face of all people. This will then be the happiest Christmas you have ever known, and your heart shall join the angelic choir in singing: Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and good will to men.

Wishing all the beloved children of God a joyous Christmas in the Lord and a prosperous new year rich in the grace of God.

(The late) Rev. Andrew Mickelsen 

The Mystery and Miracle of New Birth

Dear Weekly Readers!  God’s Peace!

When a person thinks about what is the very most important thing we could ever do in our life, what do you think that would be?  Is it not that our heart would be right with God, that our sins are washed away and forgiven?  We know judgment is coming.   Are we ready?  That is the most important issue of all.   Heaven or Hell, where is our final destination? How can I be assured Heaven awaits me?

There is hope!  The article below brings us right to this very point in a few short words! 

Please read carefully, and May God Bless your Week!  John R.

The Mystery and Miracle of New Birth

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”  John 3:7

There are many mysteries and miracles recorded in the Bible.  The most important to our salvation is new birth, a spiritual birth through Jesus Christ.  The importance of new birth cannot be overstated.

Jesus said, “…except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  John 3:3, and  “…Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”  John 3:5

New birth is a mystery to those who have not experienced it.   Nicodemus, a learned member of the Jewish Sanhedrin asked Jesus, “…How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?”  John 3:4. Likewise, in our fallen state, we considered new birth a mystery.

We may have asked in our hearts, “How would it be possible for such a wayward and self-willed person as I am to be so favored by God as to experience new birth?”  We may have even seen and wondered how other hardhearted men had been miraculously broken and converted to Christ.

New birth is a miracle to those of us who, by the grace of God, have experienced it.   We have felt the calling of the Holy Spirit, convicting us of our sinfulness and felt the burden of sin on our conscience.   We have cried out with broken heart, confessing and asking forgiveness and hearing a servant of God assuring us that our sins are forgiven in Jesus’ Name and shed blood.   WE have then felt a miraculous release and a cleansing of the soul.   Thus, while in our fallen state we pondered the mystery of this new birth, we now marvel at the miracle.

The need for new birth is a subject which is avoided by most people.   It is most difficult for man to confront and confess his sinfulness.   Some view new birth as a gradual transition or as a learning experience.   Others think that it can come about without repentance, confession, and remission of sins.

The Bible teaches otherwise.   It clearly states that there must be a repentance or Godly sorrow for sin. Jesus said, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3

Confession of sin is also vital. “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

Also, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed” James 5:16.   Remission of sins must be received and believed.   Jesus said to his followers, “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.”  John 20:23.

In Romans we read “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  Romans 10:10

We have been given this great miracle of new birth and salvation by our loving God who did not spare His only Son from the death penalty for sin on our behalf.   So then if we believe in Him we need not perish, but have everlasting life.

May we thank and praise Him for this great personal gift and remain faithful and obedient unto His Holy Word.

God’s Peace!  Al Wuori

On Faith and Good Works

Dear Weekly Readers!

God’s Peace!

The below article is very short.  However, I want to call your attention to it, because the teaching that we have available of old is so helpful for today.  

The Word of God is the same yesterday, today, and forever!  It will never change.  We must not be looking for new and fancy understandings, but rather be trusting and believing in the old time doctrine and beliefs as laid out in the Holy Word.

We must also understand that the Bible is not of private interpretation, and we should be thankful that we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses! (God’s People!)   Let us share the Word with one another, and be willing to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd as it comes through our brothers in faith! 

Please know that we are most happy to share the Doctrine of Jesus Christ as taught by the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America with you, as well as other writings.  There is not money to print all around the world, but I can surely email you many of these, and you can just print a few copies to study as your schedule allows!  Just email me at foreignmission@comcast.net and you will receive emails of such!

May God Bless your week!  John R.

On Faith and Good Works — from the Augsburg Confession

“We begin by teaching that our works cannot reconcile us with God or obtain grace for us, for this happens only through faith, that is, when we believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, who alone is the mediator who reconciles the Father. Whoever imagines that he can accomplish this by his works, or that he can merit grace, despises Christ and seeks his own way to God, contrary to the Gospel.

“This teaching about faith is plainly and clearly treated by Paul in many passages, especially in Ephesians 2, verses 8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

“It is also taught among us that good works should and must be done, not that we are to rely on them to earn grace but that we may do God’s will and glorify Him. It is always faith alone that apprehends grace and forgiveness of sin. When through faith the Holy Spirit is given, the heart is moved to do good works.

“Consequently this teaching concerning faith is not to be accused of forbidding good works, but is rather to be praised for teaching that good works are to be done and for offering help as to how they may be done. They cannot be done without the help of Christ, as He Himself says in John 15:5: For without me ye can do nothing.”

May these excerpts from the teaching of the early reformers help us to better understand and apply the basics in our daily lives.

Pastor Raymond Hilman

Greer, South Carolina

A Scene in Glory

Weekly Readers!  I am very thankful for your prayers!  We had a most blessed trip to Africa, where we were able to have so many Gospel services, both to the believers and to the unbelievers as well! God is good! 

Please find the below article! It is no longer November 1st, but I trust you will still enjoy it!  This is an article that deals with deeper subjects, but yet based on the Bible, so it is good to learn! 

MayDear  God Bless your week!  John R.

A SCENE IN GLORY - REV. 7:9-17

November 1 is "All-Saints Day."  It is a celebration that the Church has largely forgotten, at least here in America.  Anyone who has been engrafted into Christ through the power of the Gospel is both a sinner and a saint.  We do not become "saints" by anything we do.  We are called saints because of God's gift of the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ imparted to us by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ who has been "made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor. 1:30).

What the Apostle John saw was "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands" who were crying out with a loud voice saying:  "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

Finally, the numberless throng from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues stand before the throne and before the Lamb.  Finally, all the angels who have been busy ministering to the saints throughout the world also stand around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures.  Finally, those who have come out of the great tribulation, whose robes are washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, are before the throne of God.  Finally, He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.  Finally, we shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike us, nor any heat;  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed [us], and shall lead [us] unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes."

Throughout the annals of human history tremendous celebrations have been held when wars have ceased, kings have been crowned, and presidents have been inaugurated, but nothing ever has been or ever will compare to the celebration that is described here. Prior to this celebration, we see the opening of the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12-17) that describes a judgment for the ungodly.

God is a God of love.  And his love is so infinite, majestic, powerful, and eternal--that he gave all that he could.  He couldn’t give any more.  Because God is love, He delays judgment (Rev. 7:1-3) so that the saints may be sealed.  This sealing is accomplished when the gospel is being preached and sins are forgiven and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within a person and a man’s name is written in the Lamb’s book of life until the whole number comes in.  This day of judgment will be a day of terror and horror and fear for the ungodly,  but for the saints it will be a day of deliverance, a day of praise.  We are sealed with the Spirit. So we no longer walk in our own ways.  We no longer walk with a darkened mind of unbelief.  We no longer function according to our own will.  But we follow in humble submission to our Lord and our Savior, the King of kings.

The number indicates all of God’s people.  Through the Lord Jesus Christ, we are the new Israel.  Therefore, the sealing of every tribe is significant because first of all there were equal numbers of every tribe.  When you read the Old Testament, some of the tracks in the sand made by some of these tribes were anything but beautiful.  They left a lot of ugly marks in their life.  Their history was filled with a lot of ugly behavior. 

Nonetheless, every single tribe has the same number of sealed saints.  What is God saying?  He is saying there are no favorites with him.  There are no particular people that are privileged.  Every single man, woman, and child in this world has the same opportunity to be sealed by the Spirit of God.  No matter what our sin, our heritage, what we’ve been doing in life, it can all be washed away in the blood of Jesus Christ.  The same grace that was offered to the tribes of Judah and the Levites is the same grace that is offered to all the other tribes.  In other words, every one of us is a recipient of God’s marvelous grace.  No one has to feel or think that you’ve committed too great of a sin, your thoughts are too dirty, your life is too messed up.  The blood of Jesus washes all of our sins away.  There is not a one of them that cannot be cleansed away in the blood of the Lamb.

This number is 12 squared times 10 cubed signifying the Old and New Testament saints together. Thinking of a cube, we can visualize the length, and breadth, and depth of something.  This portrays all the people of every generation, of every tribe, the length and breadth of human history. Verses 9 - 17, are a fulfillment of 11:15 describing that great multitude no one could count.  It is world-wide and numberless.  Hence:  “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”  Praise God, we can reign with him!

Rejoice in the Lord

Dear Weekly Readers!

God’s Peace!

Today let us turn to God’s Word and prayerfully look into our Bibles at a few verses found in the book of Philippines chapter 4, found between verse 1 and 8.

I would like to read the first four verses to you without the names and personal references.  We will then begin to look more closely at this text.

Therefore, my brethren, stand fast in the Lord, whose names are in the book of life, Rejoice in the Lord away: and again I say, Rejoice.   

These words are verses 1-4 boiled down.  How wonderful to be able to share this with you today in this forum!  My brethren, those that are my brothers in Christ!  We can share His Word together today, all over the world!  What a blessing!  

What are the brethren to do?  Stand fast in the Lord!  Do not grow weary and weak; do not give way to the devil.  Rather, stand fast in the Lord, and in the power of HIS might!  He is the Way, the Truth and the Life!  He has made His enemies and, yes, even the whole world His footstool!  He can handle our problems.  Stand fast in the Lord!

Who are the brethren?  Those whose names are written in the book of life!  Those people that have repented, died to self, turned from self to God, and have been given the gift of life, the faith to believe, that Jesus is their Saviour and Lord!  Those whose robes are washed and are made white in the Blood of the Lamb!  All of these people all around the world are Paul’s brethren, my brethren, and the brethren of all other believers!  We are one in Christ Jesus!

The church is the bride of Christ!  Each individual believer is so precious in His eyes.  Just like the groom in today’s weddings looks at his bride, except in even a so much more perfect way and in a wholly perfect love! 

This is cause for Rejoicing, is it not?  This is why all Christians have the right to Rejoice in the Lord!  Their names are written in the book of life!  They have a spot reserved in Heaven through no merits of their own, but rather only because of the sovereign God who has granted the grace to believe, and written their new name in the book of life!

Is this you, dear believer?  Rejoice in the Lord!  And again I say Rejoice!

Now we must go back over verses 1-4.  Here we can see that there had been some issues between Euodias and Sytyche and others.   Paul encouraged all to be united and work together in the Gospel!   Are we doing that in our ministry?  Do we work together or fight between ourselves?  Do we forget we are one body, and that a body has many parts?  We must use all parts of the body of Christ! 

Now let us briefly go on to Verse 5.  Let your moderation be known unto all men.  The Lord is at hand.

The Lord is coming soon.  Let us watch and be ready.   This verse is one of the most commonly misused verses in scripture. The modern day version of this is moderation in all things.  There are many Christians who believe that you can partake in anything as long as you do it in moderation.  Of course, they are thinking of things like eating, drinking, etc.   As long as you do not overindulge, then you are doing fine.

Well, this type of thinking is not only wrong but it is opposed to Scripture. This is the only place in scripture where the word “moderation” is used.  The Greek word behind “moderation” means “gentle, patient, yielding.” In fact, it is used in other verses in the Scriptures.

(1 Tim 3:3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

(Titus 3:2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.

(James 3:17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

(1 Pet 2:18) Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

Can we see, dear reader, that rather than moderation becoming sort of a license for sin, it is actually a word that gives glory to the One that moderates us!   We must not misuse the Bible to meet our own ends. 

Verse 8 is very instructional to the believer.   Finally my Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.   

What Paul is speaking about is the Christian’s thought-life based on the great truths found in scriptures.  He is not talking about the power of positive thinking which is pushed in the world today. 

Proverbs 19:20-21 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

Sin begins and derives in or from the mind.... The Bible in many spots refers to the mind or heart.  Mark 7:20-23, for example.  (Please read.)

Have you ever thought that maybe what you are watching, reading, or daydreaming is causing you to think and do bad things?  

Whatsoever things are true…   

John 8:26 …. Jesus said:  he that sent me is true....

Romans 3:4 .… let God be true, but every man a liar….

If there be any praise….  Even in those people that are not necessarily our friends, the acts of kindness that they do are given and allowed by God.  Take the beauty of a flower.   We all agree that God created them and give God praise and glory.  Likewise when you see good things in anyone else, believe that it is God allowing those things.  Look at the good things in another and put the best construction on all that he does.

Think on these things…. Control what comes into your mind.  There is a saying in the USA that says, garbage in garbage out.  In other words, don’t expect good results from living an ungodly life or thought-life.  We reap what we sow, according to the Word.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

What ought we to do then in order to combat the enemy on these issues of the mind and the battle?

   •   We need the mind of Christ through conversion (repentance).

   •   We must avoid evil and unclean things from all sources.

   •   We must read God’s word.

   •   We should expose our minds to the great Christians throughout history.

      •   Listen to Christian music especially those that speak of our mighty God, Creator, Saviour. 

   •   Pray and be still….

Some years ago, there was a person on one of our city streets here in the USA that would eat out of the garbage, was always dirty, and lived so very poorly.  Finally, she was picked up by the police who found out that she lived in an apartment that was overrun with trash and very dirty.  However, they also found in her home almost one million USA dollars.   “Bag Mary” was a wealthy person, but she did not enjoy it or live that way.  She instead wallowed in the dirt like a pig.  Too many Christians also do this.  We get involved with the filth of this earth and this flesh.  We spend our time on those things of the world that are not edifying or beneficial to Christians.

We are the child of THE KING.  We ought to remember this and Stand Fast in the Lord and in the power of  His might!   Rejoice in the Lord alway!

A man was trying to explain to his son what the battle that rages in the heart of man was like.   He said they are like two dogs fighting.  The son asked the father, “Which one wins?”  The father said, “The one that gets fed the most.”

Which gets fed the most in your life, the flesh or the New Man?  I pray that it is not the flesh, because that only will lead one to destruction.   Rather, look to Jesus and you will be able to realize as stated at the end of Philippians 4:

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

May God Bless your week!

John Ruotsala

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Dear Weekly Readers! 

God’s Peace! 

John 14:1-6

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Prayerfully let this be our text for today.   

The timing of this scripture is very important.  It was after the Last (Lord’s) Supper.  So it was on Thursday night, before Jesus was crucified.  Why do I say this is important?  Because when Jesus says, Let not your heart be troubled, He is talking about those things to come. Jesus knew that when He would be put to death the next day, that those closest to Him would have some very dark and sad times ahead. So Jesus spoke these words of comfort unto them!    We today can also believe these words of comfort if God allows! Not only can we be comforted about those things that have already happened, but we are also instructed not to be troubled about the future. 

What comfort!  How often do I worry about the future.  We often fear the worst is going to happen.   Jesus says, Let not your heart be troubled.   Come what may come, we are the Lord’s!  Fear not!  The angels proclaimed this, and God is still speaking this through His Word to us even today!   Let not your heart be troubled!

Then Jesus begins to tell us that He is going (gone for us) to prepare a place for us!  Imagine… first Jesus came and died for you and me, taking our entire sin debt upon Him.  He paid a debt He did not owe, because we had a debt we could not pay!  Jesus paid it all! All to Him I owe!    Now Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for all who believe! 

What must man believe?  The last verse in our text gives the key.  This is what we must believe! We must believe Jesus when He said: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Do you believe this, dear friend? We are to believe this not only for someone else, but for ourselves.  Do you believe that Jesus is the ONLY WAY?  That Jesus is Truth?  And that in Him and Him only is life?   Do you believe your sins are blotted out and covered by the precious blood of Jesus, and in His Holy name you can believe them all forgiven?

Do you believe in the life-giving power of Jesus? Do you believe that He is the Life, and that through His resurrection, you have endless life in Him? 

Dear Lord, give us power today to enter into His rest, always believing solely and completely in the completed work of Jesus Christ for our Salvation! 

May God Bless your week! 

John Ruotsala