Does it ever seem to you that most sins just aren’t that big of a deal? People commit sins all the time and God doesn’t seem to do anything about it. In fact, we’re so used to being surrounded by sin, many sins don’t bother us anymore. Think of how often we witness people ignoring or despising God? We hear language that dishonors God, or behavior that mocks the sanctity of marriage. It is becoming more and more common to ignore God’s command to gather in worship.
How much of it still bothers us? Could part of the problem be that we get used to sin? Could it be that there are things that are just more important to us that our Creator and our Savior? Maybe we see sins either as big and horrible (murder, rape, or something done against us), or as small and insignificant (white lies, thoughts, or our own sins)? That would make us the judge instead of God.
God warns us through the prophet Joel that there will be a reckoning. Every nation—every person—will have to account for their sins when God comes in judgment. Consider the power and the finality of the language God uses: swing sickle, trample the grapes, stars are snuffed out. Heaven and earth will tremble and everyone will stand under God’s irrevocable and eternal judgment.
“But the Lord will be a refuge for his people.” Jesus Christ, our Savior, is indispensable. With him, we have forgiveness and life. Without him, we are lost. Let’s stay close; the Day is coming.
Joel 3:12–16 (EHV)
12Let the nations be roused.
Let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,
for there I will be seated to judge all the nations.
13Swing the sickle,
for the harvest is ripe.
Come, trample the grapes,
for the winepress is full and the vats overflow,
because the nations’ wickedness is so great!
14Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley of Decision!
For the Day of the Lord is near in the Valley of Decision.
15The sun and moon will be darkened,
and the stars will stop shining.
16The Lord will roar from Zion
and shout from Jerusalem.
The sky and the earth will tremble.
But the Lord will be a refuge for his people,
a stronghold for the people of Israel.
God bless you,
Pastor Tesch
Come to Worship
Governor Evers has issued an edict that requires us to wear masks in church. So make sure to bring the mask. There is an exception for the pastor while I’m leading the service from the front, so being able to hear and understand during the service won’t be an issue. We have an opportunity to honor God by keeping the 3rd and 4th commandments this weekend!
You can sign up for worship here: https://trinitymarinette.com/events/worship-service-3/ or call Pastor or call the church office to let us know which service you prefer.
If you would like to support the Lord’s work at Trinity, you may contribute at trinitymarinette.com/giving/ or you can mail it to
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1501 Thomas St.
Marinette, WI 54143