The Church Militant Becomes Triumphant
Arguably, the worst thing Jesus ever called someone was “Satan.” Interestingly, he only called one person that and it wasn’t one of his enemies. Ironically, it was right after that same person had given a great confession of faith in Jesus as the Savior and the Son of the living God.
It was Peter, one of his three closest friends. It was someone who loved him and didn’t want to see him suffer.
Jesus had just started to teach his disciples about the plan of salvation. He was clear about what he would have to go through to make it happen. There was a price to be paid and it was an enormously heavy one. He was also pretty clear about his rising from the dead. Peter must have missed that.
Peter almost had to think he was expressing his love for Jesus. He was probably pretty sure he was right. What do suppose Peter thought when Jesus called him “Satan”? It would certainly get his attention. Peter’s good intentions didn’t matter when they contradicted God’s Word. They didn’t matter when he was ignoring God’s plan in favor of his own.
It’s a common (and seriously underestimated) mistake to reduce God’s divine plans to earthly ones. People with very good intentions try to change the church into a good works organization that will provide good will and positive self-esteem, a place where the focus is on what we do and what we want instead a place where we learn what God does and what God wants.
Jesus is pretty clear who’s behind that attempted change: Satan. Satan wants us to forget about sin, salvation, and heaven. He wants to limit our thinking to the world we can see—not the God we cannot.
We pray that God will keep us focused on his plans and his works and his grace. Jesus’ sacrifice freed us from slavery to temporary, sinful things. His resurrection assures us that our life will be with him forever in heaven.
Matthew 16:21–23 (EHV)
21From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised again.
22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “May you receive mercy, Lord! This will never happen to you.”
23But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a snare to me because you are not thinking the things of God, but the things of men.”
God bless,
Lynn
Attention Parents! In light of current challenges related to classroom gathering, our church is introducing a new approach to Sunday school. Beginning Sunday, September 27, lessons taught by experienced WELS teachers will be available free via YouTube. The engaging and age appropriate Lesson Videos will tie to printed Student Lessons that our church will provide to you at no cost. This new approach presents an easy yet meaningful way for you to encourage your child’s faith in Christ. To see a preview of this Sunday, September 13 Lesson Video and Student Lesson, visit nph.net/ss-at-home. Printed Student Lessons for your child will be available for pick-up at church during the week of September 20, OR Printed Student Lessons for your child will be mailed directly to your home. If you would like them mailed directly to your home, please contact the church office. May God bless your child as we together continue to share His love.
It’s a Girl: Save the date for a Baby Shower in honor of Kelly Danell, on Saturday, Sept. 19th at 11:00 am.
The location has changed, the shower will be in the Church Basement. ~ They are registered at www.babylist.com
Fall Newsletter: Trinity’s 2020 Fall Newsletter will be coming out at the end of this month. We have ALOT going on at Trinity! If you would like to add something to it, either the Church Office (715-732-9868) or send it via e-mail. (tlchurchassistant@gmail.com) All submissions must be handed in by Monday, Sept. 21.
Church Directories are finally here!!! Due to the limited amount on hand we are asking that families who are featured in the directory take one at this time. You can pick up your copy before or after Worship. If you need to make other arrangements to get your copy please call the church office.