Thanksgiving for Suffering?

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Jodie Sanders
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1 November 2017 Thanksgiving for Suffering? In the Thanksgiving Day Litany included in this newsletter (see the next page), prayers of thanks are offered for family and friends, for children and grandchildren, for the blessing of a loving home, and, of course, for food. However, there is also a petition of thanksgiving for suffering. Suffering! Surely that is a misprint, right? No it isn t. The petition reads: For the sufferings You are pleased to send us, for they purify us from selfishness and remind us of the one thing needful, Your eternal kingdom: Martin Luther taught that God brings sufferings to us as a benefit, to teach us to love God for who he is and not just for the stuff he gives us. He even maintained that suffering is vital in order for us to grab hold of Christ in faith. Luther wrote: If God should not test us by tribulation, it would be impossible for any man to be saved.... [T]he cross puts to death everything we have, but our iniquity tries to keep itself and its possessions alive. Therefore our good God, after He has justified us and given us His spiritual gifts, quickly brings tribulation upon us, exercises us, and tests us.... Thus man learns to love and worship God purely for Himself, and not just because of His grace and His gifts; but he worships God for His own sake alone (AE 25: ). Luther also wrote of the privilege of sharing in the sufferings of Christ. While not meritorious like Christ s sufferings, what we endure unites us with our Lord and even fulfills God s plan. Luther said, Though our suffering and cross should never be so exalted that we think we can be saved by it or earn the least merit through it, nevertheless we should suffer after Christ, that we may be conformed to him. For God has appointed that we should not only believe in the crucified Christ, but also be crucified with him, as he clearly states in the Gospels.... Therefore each one must bear a part of the holy cross; nor can it be otherwise. St. Paul too says, In my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ s afflictions [Col. 1:24]. It is as if he were saying: His whole Christendom is not fully completed; we too must follow after, in order that

2 none of the suffering of Christ may be lacking or lost, but all brought together into one. Therefore every Christian must be aware that suffering will not fail to come (AE 51:198). The suffering and cross that Luther mentions is most properly persecution, loss, or grief specifically for the Word of God. However, any affliction for the Christian can also become a spiritual affliction (Anfechtung) and test his or her faith to hold to the good confession through all things. Amazingly, Luther taught, The most dangerous trial of all is when there is no trial, when everything is all right and running smoothly. That is when a man tends to forget God, to become too independent and put his time of prosperity to a wrong use (AE 44:47). Therefore, times of trial are actually the spiritual safe haven for the Christian! There is another statement that is attributed to Luther (even if it may not be his). It says, Oh! [Christ s] grace and goodness toward us is so immeasurably great, that without great assaults and trials it cannot be understood. About this statement, the writer Larry Crabb offers his opinion: That s not how we naturally think. It makes sense to assume that we would more easily appreciate God s immeasurable goodness if we could measure it by fewer trials and more blessings.... With pain-killing drugs, more accessible counseling, and support groups in churches that focus on the healing power of Jesus (usually interpreted as His power to make our lives more comfortable), we ve grown increasingly impatient with suffering. Suffering is a bad thing that should be minimized or eliminated. We re more willing than ever before to admit we re hurting, but we re more insistent that someone make things better.... But God insists that in our suffering He is doing us good, a greater good than relieving our suffering. He never stops doing us good (Jeremiah 32:40). The problem is with our blessingbased, happiness-centered understanding of goodness. It is too small.... Luther s idea of God s goodness was different. It was big, so big that without great assaults and trials it could not be understood (Crabb, Shattered Dreams, p. 172). What do you think? On Thanksgiving Day, not to mention in your daily prayers, will you be able to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), even in suffering, even in times of hunger and need (Phil. 4:12), even if it has been a rough number of months or years? Will you be able to give thanks for the trials you have been given along with the obvious blessings? You will indeed if you see that sufferings help keep your focus on the one thing needful, the truth that it was necessary that the Christ should suffer (Luke 24:26) for us. Pastor Young Kroger Community Rewards Program Are you a Kroger shopper? If so, you can link your Kroger Plus Card to their Community Rewards Program online and Redeemer will receive a quarterly check. Redeemer has elected to place these dollars in the Sanctuary Renovation Fund. In fact, we just received a check for $ Simple, easy stewardship! Contact Redeemer s office for details on how to participate.

3 Thanksgiving Day Litany and Grace In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The eyes of all look to You, O Lord, and You give them their food at the proper time; You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. For the gift of this day and the opportunity to give You praise: For the love and warmth of family and friends, both those gathered here and those gathered elsewhere, and most of all for those gathered to the Eternal Home: For the good gift of children and grandchildren to nurture in Your love and fear; for the blessing of hearth and home: For the joyful noise of infants cooing and children at play and for the honor of serving them, knowing they are beloved by You: For the food You so graciously provide us and for the joy of feasting and playing together: For the sufferings You are pleased to send us, for they purify us from selfishness and remind us of the one thing needful, Your eternal kingdom: And finally for those things for which we are most thankful: the sweet comfort of Your Gospel, the forgiveness of all our sins by the blood of our Lord Jesus, the promise of our resurrection to eternal life; for the joyful companionship afforded by the Church; for Your Word that is a lamp to our feet and light to our path; for the gifts of Baptism and the Eucharist; for our pastors and everyone who faithfully serve to us Your best and highest gifts: All sing together: Now thank we all our God With heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has done, In whom His world rejoices. Who from our mother s arms Hath blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love And still is ours today. Find our newsletters online at:

4 Growing In Christ Sunday School November 2017 All Saints Day November 5 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace Daniel 3 The account of The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace serves as the focus of Sunday School today. Just as Jesus was with the three men in the fiery furnace and saved them, so our Savior is with us in His Word and Sacraments, sustaining us when we suffer for His name. Questions for discussion include, Who appeared in the fiery furnace with the three men? How has God rescued us from the fires of hell? Law In sin, I choose what makes the world, my flesh, and the devil happy and try to avoid the suffering or trouble that sometimes comes my way because of my faith in God. Gospel He who once walked unharmed with the three faithful men in the fiery furnace also suffered the fiery wrath of God by dying on the cross to pay for my sins. Through Word and Sacrament, He sustains me through all the troubles I have in this life and assures me of life with Him in heaven. Pentecost 23 November 12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 Daniel in the Lions Den Daniel 6 The Sunday School students study the account Daniel in the Lions Den today. Jesus, who saved Daniel, would Himself be given over to the satanic lion to save the world. Parents could ask, Who did God use to keep Daniel safe? How does God keep us safely with Himself? Law In the world, evil is called good, and those who seek to do good suffer and are brought down by sinners who hate anything good. Gospel In Christ, I am blessed when I suffer for His name. He is with me, granting me His comfort and strength and preserving my life eternally by giving me salvation in Him. For the Month of November Pentecost 24 November 19 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 God s People Go Home Ezra 1-3; 7:11-28; Nehemiah 2:1-8; 12:27-43 God s People Go Home is the focus for this week s Sunday School lesson. God used unbelieving kings to restore His exiled people to Jerusalem according to His will. God sent Jesus, the King of kings, to Jerusalem to restore His wayward people to Himself forever. As a family, discuss, What preparations did the people need to make before they returned to Jerusalem? How can you prepare for worship each week? Law God s just judgment on unbelief and sin is punishment and exile from Him forever. Gospel In mercy and grace, God forgives my sins, reclaims me as His child, and

blesses me with all good things for the sake of His Son, Jesus, who will take me to the new Jerusalem, my home in heaven, where there is joy and celebration forever.

5 blesses me with all good things for the sake of His Son, Jesus, who will take me to the new Jerusalem, my home in heaven, where there is joy and celebration forever. Last Sunday of the Church Year November 26 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Esther Book of Esther This week, Sunday School students study Esther. In the actions of Esther, we see the pattern of deliverance that God sketches throughout the story of Israel, a pattern that finds its fulfillment in Jesus, our Savior. Consider discussing, How did Esther preserve the Jewish people? Why is the story of Esther important? Law In my sin, I am apathetic and anxious, and I despair in this life. Gospel No matter how desperate the times or how hidden God and His ways seem to be, the Lord has a plan to save me in Jesus, His Son. THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION Preface To Emperor Charles V Most invincible Emperor, Caesar Augustus, most clement Lord: Your Imperial Majesty has summoned a meeting of the Empire here at Augsburg to consider taking action against the Turk, discussing how best to stand effectively against his fury and attacks by means of military force. The Turk is the most atrocious and ancient hereditary enemy of the Christian name and religion. This meeting is also to consider disagreements in our holy religion, the Christian faith, by hearing everyone s opinions and judgments in each other s presence. They are to be considered and evaluated among ourselves in mutual charity, mercy, and kindness. After the removal and correction of things that either side has understood differently, these matters may be settled and brought back to one simple truth and Christian concord. Then we may embrace and maintain the future of one pure and true religion under on Christ, doing battle under Him [Psalm 24:8], living in unity and concord in the one Christian Church. We, the undersigned elector and princes, have been called to this gathering along with other electors, princes, and estates in obedient compliance with the Imperial mandate. Therefore, we have promptly come to Augsburg. We do not mean to boast when we say this, but we were among the first to be here. At the very beginning of the meeting in Augsburg, Your Imperial Majesty mad a proposal to the electors, princes, and other estates of the Empire. Among other things, you asked that the several estates of the Empire on the strength of the Imperial edict should submit their explanations, opinions, and judgments in German and Latin. On the following Wednesday, we informed Your Imperial Majesty that after due deliberation we would present the articles of our Confession in one week. Therefore, concerning this religious matter, we offer this Confession. It is ours and our preachers. It shows, from the Holy Scriptures and God s pure Word, what has been up to this time presented in our lands, dukedoms, dominions, and cities, and taught in our churches. In keeping with your edict, the other electors, princes, and estates of the Empire may present similar writings, in Latin and German, giving their opinions in this religious matter. We, and those princes previously mentioned, are prepared to discuss, in a friendly manner, all possible ways and means by which we may come together. We will do this in the presence of your Imperial

6 Majesty, our most clement Lord. In this way, dissensions may be put away without offensive conflict. This can be done honorably, with God s help, so that we may be brought back to agreement and concord. As your edict shows, we are all under on Christ and do battle under Him [Exodus 15:3]. We ought to confess the one Christ and do everything according to God s truth. With the most fervent prayers, this is what we ask of God. However, regarding the rest of the electors, princes, and estates, who form the other side: no progress may be made, nor any result achieved by this treatment of religious matters, as Your Imperial Majesty has wisely determined that it should be dealt with and treated, by mutual presentation of writings and calm conferring together among ourselves. We will at least leave with you a clear testimony. We are not holding back from anything that could bring about Christian concord, such as could be effected with God and a good conscience. Your Imperial Majesty and the other electors and estates of the Empire, and all moved by sincere love and zeal for religion, who will give an impartial hearing to this matter please graciously offer to take notice of this and to understand this from our Confession. Your Imperial Majesty, has not once but often graciously pointed something out to the electors, princes, and estates of the Empire. At the meeting of Speyer (1526), according to the form of Your Imperial instruction and commission, this point was given and prescribed. Your Imperial Majesty caused it to be stated and publicly proclaimed that Your Majesty in dealing with this religious matter, for certain reasons that were alleged in Your Majesty s name was not willing to decide and could not determine anything. But that Your Majesty would diligently use Your Majesty s office with the Roman Pontiff for the convening of a General [The CHIEF ARTICLES OF FAITH, as presented in the Augsburg Confession, will be included in the newsletter over next few months.] Quotations from the Lutheran Confessions are from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, copyright 2005, 2006 by Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of Concordia, call SEPTEMBER 2017: MONTHLY KUSAAL LUTHERAN MISSION NEWS AND PRAYER NEEDS SEPTEMBER 2017 No. 85 As long as it is day, we must work the works of Him who sent me, night is coming when no one can work John 9:4. Greetings: Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Ghana. The Lord blessed farmers again with some rains in September. Corn is almost ready for harvest. Corn is almost becoming the staple crop taking over from millet and guinea corn because for nearly a decade now the rainfall pattern has changed where we receive rains for not more than four months. Baptism: The Lord has added several people from various congregation to the saved ones through the waters of Holy Baptism. In all five babies, six children and three adults were baptized in September. Twins and Triplet: Madam Gladys of St. John s Lutheran Church in Kpalugu and Madam Diana Mbilla of St. Paul s in Banstengdaanteng gave birth to twins and triplets respectively. Traditional believers believe twins and worst of all triplets are children which the gods have sent to bring a lot of hardship to their parents. Because of this believe traditional believers do not take good care of twins and are disturbed much if they die. But Gladys and Diana, although their husbands are traditional believers, believe that these babies are blessing and gifts of God to them. These women need our prayers and assistance because of the belief of their husbands and the additional expenses (health, balanced diet, toiletries and clothing). Translation: Komba translation on the Smalcald Articles is more than half-way completed. Bimoba is working on the index of the Small Catechism. Akan (Fante) is also about half-way in the translation of the Small Catechism. Kusaal s translation of Lutheranism 101 is completed and the translation of Apology of the Augsburg Confession is about a

7 quarter-way to complete. Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF) is actively working on the printing of several books for Ghana. Literacy class: Bugzunde literacy class has graduated six learners. These new graduates are going to assist the Bugzunde Church leader in activities such as marking the weekly Church attendance register, reading during Church services, etc. Kpalugu literacy class has eight people who are almost ready to complete Primer 2. Radio Broadcast Program: The weekly radio program continues to spread the true Gospel to thousands of listeners. Callers from areas where there is no Lutheran Church have been encouraged to contact the nearest Lutheran Church for more information and teachings from the Word of God. It has become necessary for us to erect sign posts and various locations to show directions to some of our Churches. Radio Broadcast Program: The weekly radio program continues to spread the true Gospel to thousands of listeners. Callers from areas where there is no Lutheran Church have been encouraged to contact the nearest Lutheran Church for more information and teachings from the Word of God. It has become necessary for us to erect sign posts and various locations to show directions to some of our Churches. Evangelism/Outreach: The Evangelism/Outreach team visited 23 families in Tengnoog during their monthly house-tohouse evangelism and outreach program. Three neighbors of Michael Akparibo have since joined the Tengnoog Church and have enrolled in the pre-baptism class. Women Fellowship: The women have organized a weekly Bible study group that meets at Concordia Preparatory School. Men Fellowship: Because of the intensive farming work, the men suspended their biweekly meeting in August and September. The fellowship meets next week to begin studying the Book of Nehemiah. Although I will be away from October 9-20, the class will proceed as some of the leaders have been prepared to lead the class. Youth Fellowship: The youth fellowship organized a fund-raising at St. John s Church to raise funds to purchase musical instruments. By the grace of God, one quarter of the funds needed was raised. Chapel buildings: The floor of the completed Banstengdaanteng chapel has been filled with earth and awaiting assistance to purchase cement to floor it. Zuuku and Sakpanatenga congregations have raised some funds and molded some cement blocks with the aim of building their permanent chapels. The Lord s work never ends as daily there is something new to be done. Burials: Three burials were recorded at Bansakpanateng, Tengnoog and Kpalugu. Late Dan Azuuga of Tengnoog was a man of great faith. Dan had lived in a family house. When he fell ill the family believed that performing sacrifices was going to bring healing but Dan refused and preferred dying. Dan was driven out of the family house because he refused to worship idols. Dan in his Christian new Christian home did not fully recover. He was sick for more than five years. But he trusted his God, the one true God we worship. On his death bed, he vowed that no pagan or traditional rite be performed. When he died, he received a fitting Christian burial. Please remember Dan s wife in your prayers. Concordia Preparatory School: The Lord continues to bless CPS. The new academic year started September 4 and as at last week (September 29), more than 60 new admissions had been made. All the classrooms are used and each class has between children. Total enrollment is about 680, but some of the old students have not yet reported. A great need of the school is two more classrooms for next academic year. Thanksgiving and Prayer Needs 1. We praise God for the countless blessings we have received, and especially forgiveness of sins that Christ accomplished for us. 2. Praise the Lord for the continuing assistance that CCCS LeadaChild gives to schools to

enhance the school s Christian Education programs. 3. Praise God for the regular support received from Ghana Harvest for the weekly radio program. 4.

8 enhance the school s Christian Education programs. 3. Praise God for the regular support received from Ghana Harvest for the weekly radio program. 4. Continue to pray for wisdom and resources for Lutheran Heritage Foundation as they provide printed materials for many language groups throughout the world. 5. Pray that the translation teams in Kusaal, Komba, Bimoba and Akan faithfully continue to translate our good doctrinal books into the local languages. 6. You can learn more about LHF by going to their website ( 7. Pray that the women at the Gambaga Witches Camp continue to put their hope and trust Jesus, the Savior of the world and the friend of outcasts. CPS students are making special contributions to be given to the alleged witches. 8. Pray that we build more classrooms for CPS to accommodate the huge intake. 9. Pray for the bereaved families of late Madam Apuyini, Dan Azuug and Hannah Aboyela. 10. We remember all our friends in the USA and Ghana who have lost their loved ones. The Lord will comfort and provide healing. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1 John 3:16-17) Nicholas Salifu

11 November 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Confirmation All Saints Day 5 All Saints Day (observed) 9:15 Education Hour 10:30 Divine Service Door Offering Confirmation Choir Daylight Savings Time Ends 6 8 AA 7 7 LWML 8 5 Confirmation Church Work Day 12 Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost 9:15 Education Hour 10:30 Divine Service Choir Sunday School Teachers Meeting 13 8 AA 14 6:30 Council Finalize Budget 15 5 Confirmation :30 Men s Breakfast 19 Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost 9:15 Education Hour 10:30 Divine Service Presentation of Budget & Council Slate Silent Auction Closes Potluck 20 8 AA Matins Thanksgiving Day Last Sunday of the Church Year 9:15 Education Hour 10:30 Divine Service LWML Mite Collection Choir 27 8 AA Ladies Home Improvement Group St. Andrew, Apostle

12 Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church 800 Bellevue Road Nashville, TN (615)

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Funeral Service Planner May 2018 In this season of Easter I am reminded of the importance and beauty of the funeral service in our Lutheran Service Book. The resurrection of Christ is proclaimed throughout,