Trinity Families,
Here is your WELS Devotion
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Galatians 6:14
Boasting In Christ
The apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians draws a stark line of contrast between two opposing approaches to salvation—one by grace, the other by works. He wrote the letter as a response to false teachers who were insisting that what Jesus did was not enough to make us right before God. We must also do our part, by obeying the law in every detail. This is a tempting thought. We naturally feel proud of our accomplishments and want recognition when we’ve done something good. Why shouldn’t I get credit for the times I have helped others? Surely I should be rewarded for the sacrifices I have made! This is the thinking of most people in the world.
But those who want to be rewarded according to their obedience to the moral law will be judged by that same law. And that law quickly exposes our secret sins and reveals the darkness in our hearts that we try to hide from others. We need God’s grace, which was poured out on us when his Son, Jesus Christ, died to pay our debt and rose from the dead to give us life.
At the end of his letter, Paul made it clear which side he was on. He was ready to not get credit for any of the good works he had done in his lifetime, but rather to put his trust entirely on what Jesus had done for him. And Paul understood that taking his stand on Christ alone would separate him from others. “The world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” A person killed on a cross was not only permanently separated from the community, but he was also publicly shamed and humiliated in the process. Those who stand by faith on the works of Christ alone and those who put their trust in their own self-righteousness are worlds apart from each other.
But the blood of Jesus was spilled for every person on earth. God’s promises of forgiveness are meant for all nations. So boast and brag to everyone you know about the love of God for us sinners!
Prayer:
Jesus, you are my dearest treasure. I will praise your name always. Amen.
God bless you,
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 20 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 starting 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.
We Need Your Input!
With everything up in the air due to COVID, our evangelism plans are uncertain. Your feedback will help us decide if this is a way we want to reach out to our community.
Please take these 3 short surveys:
We’re Starting Bible Classes! The first Sunday in October (the 4th), we will hold a half hour Bible class downstairs in church after each of our services. You are welcome and encouraged to attend. We will observe whatever the current mandates are and we are going to ask you to clean surfaces at the end of class.
Politics is driving me crazy! This election season is as chaotic as any that we can remember. Talk and drama about the upcoming presidential election are hot. Social media tensions are rising, loved ones are dividing along party lines, and candidates are slinging mud at their opponents. In response, frustrated Christians often wonder what’s happening to America and where God is in the confusion. We’re going to find a calm, biblical approach to politics. Starting Sunday, October 4, we’ll look at how God has set up the government as his instrument of order and how we’re supposed to relate to it. We’ll look at the two kingdoms, the separation between church and state, and our messy political world. It’s going to be great! We’ll meet in the church basement after both Sunday morning services.
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.