“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5)

Have you ever seen one of those lists, “Ten Reasons to Go to Church?”  They can sometimes be helpful, reminding us of the benefits and obligations of a believer.  Yet they often miss the mark, too.  Focusing on the social or personal benefits of worship, they can neglect what St. Paul calls the matter of “first importance”: Christ died; Christ rose; and Christ appeared to the disciples.

Whatever else we do in the Church, that proclamation stands at the front and center.  For by undoing death (the “wages of sin”), God has canceled the power of sin, putting forgiveness to work in the flesh of Christ.  By appearing to His disciples, Christ put this same forgiveness to work in His followers, sending them to preach it in His name.

What Christ preaches, He gives, and what He gives keeps giving.  To preach the resurrection and rejoice in its benefits, and thus to ready the world for Him who will appear again—here is why we “go to Church,” or even better, why we are the Church.

LET US PRAY: Almighty Savior, triumphant over death: You live and rule above every authority in heaven and earth, and yet You are pleased to dwell among those who trust in You.  How tender Your mercy, how comforting Your power!  May Your Name be praised into eternity, even by my own lips; for You are the beloved Son of the Father, in the glory of the Holy Spirit, one God forever.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau

“You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness. You broke open springs and torrents; You dried up ever-flowing streams.” (Psalm 74:14-15)

The Lord God created all things and all things are in His control and under His power. Who can come against the Lord? Many try, but they will not prevail. Trust in the Lord of all creation and know that, now and always, all things are in His hands. He who holds the universe together and knows when a bird falls from the sky knows your needs and answers every prayer.

Lord, I sometimes feel lost amidst all the things of this world. All around me everyday things are happening that I do not understand. Guide me, O Lord, to see in You the hope for all and the truth of Your sovereignty. Guide me away from living in confusion and fear into wisdom by Your grace to know that You alone are God and there is none other who is able to hold all things together.

Lord Jesus, You are the answer for all who wonder,  for all who are afraid,  for all who look for meaning. You have come to show us the love of the Father that all may turn to You and be reconciled. Guide me this day to walk humbly with You, the One through all things have their being. Lead me now and always in the way of salvation which You have shown for all who believe.  Amen.