Christopher Lockie, Pastor. The Devil: Not just some red guy with horns

Transcription

1 Christopher Lockie, Pastor The Devil: Not just some red guy with horns October, 2016 Well, it is now October and with it comes Halloween. As we know, it has become one of the biggest holidays now in sales and popularity in our country. It was estimated that last year 6.9 billion dollars was spent on Halloween items with an average of $74 spent per person. Of course, one of the popular Halloween items is dressing up in that little red suit with horns and a pointy tale. But who is this devil or Satan some people like to wear? Is he actually red with horns? Is he someone to emulate or joke around about? Absolutely not. Here is some Biblical information on Satan. The word Satan originates from a Hebrew word, which means adversary or accuser. It is not a word used a great deal in the Hebrew Old Testament Scriptures, but is always used for one who accuses or opposes. We find this word used in the first few chapters of Job as Satan is talking to God and telling God that he can get Job to deny him. We also see this word used in Zechariah 3:1 where Satan is accusing Joshua, a representative of God s people Israel. In I Chronicles 21:1, Satan leads David to take a census of the people, which it says later was evil in God s sight. In all of those instances, we see how this Satan is pitted against the will of God and tries to lead God s people into sin through accusations and temptations This of course we first see in Scripture when he possesses the serpent and tempts Adam and Eve. Now to his origin, the only thing we can surmise from Scripture is that it appears as though he was a heavenly being, an angel, who was created good, but somehow became corrupted and evil. The majority of scholars believe it was due to pride. He wanted more than just an angelic servant role in heaven, but to be God. They point to several places as evidence of this. In Isaiah 14:12, it says, how you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn. How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! In the context, it is talking about the king of Babylon, Sargon II, as Isaiah probably is drawing on language used at the time from Babylonian and Canaanite mythology which associated celestial bodies such as stars with gods. However, we believe, Jesus may be making a reference to his verse in Luke 10:18, when he says, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. We know the church has associated the verse from Isaiah 14 with Satan because the Hebrew word for Day Star was translated Venus in the Latin translation of the Bible called the Vulgate. When the King James English Version of the Bible came out, they translated that same word Lucifer in the English, meaning light-bearer or shining one.

2 We see this too in the following verses in Isaiah, v , where it talks about how this Day Star wanted to set himself up above all the other stars (a reference to angels we believe), to make himself like the Most High God, but he was brought down to Sheol or hell. Another verse referenced is I Timothy 3:6, which talks about becoming puffed up with pride and falling into the condemnation of the devil. We also see a depiction of Satan s fall in Revelation 9:1. Regardless of why it happened, he was cast out of heaven and now seeks to work against every plan and good of the Lord. We see it in the temptation in the garden. We also see it depicted in Revelation 12 where Satan is thrown out of heaven, along with the angels who rebelled with him. It says, he was hurled to earth and his angels with him (Rev. 12:9). It is also where the depiction of Satan as red and with horns probably comes from, as Satan is described in Revelation 12:3 as an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his head. This is probably visionary language and not to be taken literally, but probably inspired the artists who first depicted Satan. It then goes on to depict Satan as pursuing the woman, representing us as the church on earth and seeking the woman s destruction. It is why he is described as the one who leads the whole world astray (Revelation 12:9). He wants nothing more than to work to destroy our faith and lives as the church and to stop the spread of the Gospel we preach. It is why Jesus describes him as the father of lies. (John 8:44). He also is depicted as having power, which cannot be underestimated. Jesus calls him the prince of this world in John 12:31 and 14:30. In Ephesians 2:2, it says he is, the ruler of the kingdom of the air, denoting his power and influence. I Peter 5:8 depicts him as a roaring lion seeking whom he will devour. In Ephesians 6:12, it tells us we are locked in a spiritual battle with Satan and his forces. Therefore, the picture we clearly get from Scripture is he is not someone to mess with or take lightly. He is not someone to joke around about, even at Halloween, because he wants to destroy our lives through his deception and temptations. In fact, the word devil stems from the Greek word diabolos which means slanderer or adversary and is where we get the word diabolical from in English. By his very nature, he wants to lead us as a people and nation to see him as this harmless little red thing when he is so much more. But thankfully, while he is more, we can know his power and influence is no match for Jesus. We can know our hope in the face of Satan s temptations is always found in Jesus and the power and faith the Holy Spirit gives us to stand against the devil s schemes. As it says in I John 3:8, the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil s work. It says in I John 4:4, little children, you are from God and have overcome them (Satan s antichrists), for He (Jesus) who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world. Through faith in Christ, we know we are guaranteed the final victory over Satan and this world and we cannot be defeated. As it says in I John 5:5, Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Therefore, if you want to pick a winning costume for Halloween this year, don t even think about that red horned suit. It would be better to go as yourself. At least then, you would be dressed as a victor. Amen. Pastor Chris Our Worship & Our Gifts to the Lord Give, and it will be given to you. Luke 6:38 Worshipped Communed Offerings** Sept $4861 $3840 Sept Sept Sept Averages $4570 $4443

3 Children s Christmas Program Do You Hear What I Hear Listening to the Spirit of Christmas Saturday, December 24, :00 PM Pre-Service, 5:30 PM Program We are busy preparing for the Children s Christmas Eve Program to tell the story of Christ's birth. The Christmas program will be on Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm. We would like to know who will be participating by October 16. Cast selection will be announced in late October. Practices will be held during Sunday School time at Prince of Peace, 10:30 AM, starting on November 6th, as well as one Saturday morning full dress rehearsal, December 17, 8:30-11:30 AM. There are many wonderful parts; speaking and nonspeaking; plus costumes and special music. Your children may participate even if you are not a member of Prince of Peace. There is always "Room at the Inn" for any child who would like to join us! We also have pre-service music that is performed by our musically talented children as well as a special performance by a Junior Choir for students grade 5 through high school. Let us know if your child would like to be included in our pre-service music (identify instrument he/she will be playing) and/or the Junior Choir. In previous programs, the students have played a violin, cello, trumpet, piano, flute, drums, and organ. We enjoy all types of music! Parents, if you could help us with the program, please let us know by completing the last section of the form. Please return the form below to church office, Child Care Director, Sunday School teacher, Andrea Lunda (mailbox 106) or Gina Janke (mailbox 48). If possible, fill out the form today! We are excited about this year s program and look forward to working with your children! Family Name Phone # My child/children will NOT be participating in the Christmas Program For Program Cast: List Children s Names & Grade (Put Preschool if child is 3-4 yrs.) For Pre-Service Music Participation: List Children s Names & Instrument For Junior Choir Participation (5 th Grade to High School only): List Children s Names & Grade (separate practice time may be arranged) For Adult Volunteers: I would be willing to help out with the Children s Christmas Program (check below) During Sunday School practices (costume fittings, helping with lines) Day of show (Help getting children ready in costumes, help taking set down) Program preparation (Ironing, mending costumes, checking props) For Junior Choir Participation (5 th Grade to High School only): List Children s Names & Grade (separate practice time may be arranged)

4 LUTHERANS FOR LIFE October 2 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Heavenly Father has both ability and affinity for working mightily through seemingly insignificant and even apparently contrary situations. Humble faith (Luke 17:5; 2 Timothy 1:5), conversational testifying (2 Timothy 1:8), servant tasks (Luke 17:10), and suffering itself (Habakkuk 1:2-4; 2 Timothy 1:12) like broken-bodied Jesus bring life and immortality to light (2 Timothy 1:10). Prayer: Almighty Maker, establish us in Your simple truth that we may witness and participate in Your miraculous acts. Amen. October 9 Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost Jesus Gospel gives us God as Father and a whole family as well. True faith and real joy recognize and receive Your people [as] my people (Ruth 1:16-17), witnesses who sympathize and strengthen us (2 Timothy 2:2), however impaired or dependent they may be (Luke 17:12-14). Prayer: Good Shepherd, lead us to love Your people as You love us through them. Amen. October 16 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost We remain patient and persistent (Luke 18:1, 5) in rebuking the culture of death and in comforting all its victims with Words from God (2 Timothy 3:16-4:2). Compassion will overcome selfishness, wrestling will give way to blessing (Genesis 32:25-26), and hurt will meet healing because God does not deal with us like a gruff judge but as a loving and victorious Savior (Luke 18:6-8). Prayer: Risen Lord, accompany and sustain us under Your cross with Your promises. Amen. October 23 Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost Heaven and earth grieve every life ended by another (Genesis 4:10). Worse yet is believing ourselves any better than murderers (Luke 18:11-14). Lord God regards all as precious as little babies, and His Son s forgiving Word and works of faith rescue from death s mouth (2 Timothy 4:17) when tempted (Genesis 4:7) and from hell s mouth when guilty (Genesis 4:15).Prayer: Merciful Father, intervene that we may be saved and safe from death and hell. Amen. October 30 Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost Jesus didn t disregard Zacchaeus due to his stature (Luke 19:3-5). So God doesn t cast us off because of our sins against life (Isaiah 1:18). His salvation would dwell (Luke 19:9) in every beating heart until His grace displaces selfish decisions crowding (Luke 19:3) and persecuting us (2 Thessalonians 1:4) and relieves afflictions (Luke 1:7) by restoring more than fourfold (Luke 19:8). Prayer:Gracious God, make us receive even the helpless as Your children and suffering as Your gift. Amen.

5 Preschool Childcare PRESCHOOL-CHILD CARE September Getting to know You Our school year started the week of Labor Day with all those shining faces of 3 and 4 year olds. The first month we concentrarted on getting to know each other and our new surroundings, learning to put our toys away, to wait our turn, to follow rules, and so many other things. With our classroom theme being Sesame Street, our center signs, nametags, and beginning of the year décor, we enjoyed reading many cookie storie for Cookie Monster and learning with some sesame street letter games. And, most importantly, WE FINALLY, AFTER MUCH SEARCHING, FOUND COOKIE MONSTER! We were excited to find him in the church libray with his cookie jar filled with enough cokies for each of us! Both classes had a fabulous cookie party with Cookie Monster! Both classes are also learning about apples. How they grow, how they taste, and even doing a graph to see what kind of apple is their favorite, YUM. They even made apple decorations for the class room. JESUS TIME is a very special and important part of the day at our center. Each week a Bible story, its theme, and important Bible words are learned. On Thursday or Friday of each week, the preschool chilkdren receive a picture page about the Bible story. On the back, is the story from the Bible and on the front are some suggested family activities on how this story can be applied in their everyday life. PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE SILENT AUCTION This year we will be having our ninth annual silent auction beginning on Saturday, November 12th and ending on Sunday, December 4th at 10:25 A.M. Once again, we are looking for donations of gift baskets, certificates, handmade items etc. We would ask that all donations be at church no later than Wednesday, November 9th to allow us time to set up for this event. If you would like to donate, please contact either Julie Maiwald at (262) or Carla Abel at (262) Thank you so much! FOURTH ANNUAL CAR SHOW Our fourth annual Car Show for our Preschool and Childcare Center was held on August 20th. Although we had rain Throughout the day, we still had nineteen cars compete and many spectators. A huge thank you to our Fellowship Committee and all of the many volunteers who once again helped make this event a success. A huge thank you also to Kent Sumner and Corey Borkowski who spent months helping organizing and securing donations for this event. Martin Luther High School Rummage Sale Martin Luther High School Guild is sponsoring a rummage sale October 26 th through the 29 th. The school is located at 5201 S. 76 th Street (across from Southridge Mall) The sale hours are: Wednesday October 26 th from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday October 27 th from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday October 28 th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday October 29 th from 9:30 to 1:00 p.m. Bag day is Saturday, when a paper bag filled is $5.00, and large items are half price. Admission is Free. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Rev. Christopher Lockie ~ Pastor SW District-LCMS Assoc. Member of RLHS 4340 Six Mile Rd, Racine, WI Tel: Fax: On-line: Congregation President Tom Guziewicz Head Elder Steve Shaffer Director of Child Care Center Carla Abel S.S. Superintendent Amy Herron & Julie Pulley Music Dianne Luedtke, Barb Miller Website Manager Dena Guziewicz

6 YOUTH SCAVENGER HUNT On Sunday October 16 th from 1 to 3 p.m. we are going to do a food scavenger hunt. We will be breaking into teams and going to houses searching for good items that we will donate to a local food pantry. It is a fun competition that also helps others. Any 4-12 th grade students are invited to go along. We do need parents who can help chaperone groups. If any parents are interested, please let me know or sign up on the sheet in the narthex. Pastor Chris COUPLE S NIGHT: We are inviting all couples of the congregation to what we are calling Couple s Night. We will have an hour Bible Study on 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) and how it applies to our marriages. Then, we will spend the remaining hour playing some board games. Please join us on Friday October 14th from 6-8:00 p.m. We are looking for anyone that can provide child care that night. If you are interested, please talk to Pastor Chris. FAMILY FORUM Please join us on Tuesday October 18 th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. as Trish Howard is a local counselor and, has attended several Love and Logic seminars, she will be here at Prince of Peace speaking on Parenting using tips from Love and Logic. Racine Lutheran High School Ladies Guild Harvest Fair Will be held on Saturday November 5 th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Racine Lutheran High School, 251 Luedtke Ave. in Racine. There is no admission charge; free parking and strollers are welcome. Everyone is invited to browse through the many booths of handmade crafts and holiday decorations, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and more. New this year, is a Sports Booth. For more information please see the information board just outside the gym door. Saturday Oct. 1 8:30 Bd/Elder s Meeting Sunday Oct. 2 LWML SUNDAY 4:00 to 5:30 Youth Grades 4-12 Monday Oct. 3 6:00 Mom s Bible Study Tuesday Oct. 4 11:00 Midweek Bible Class Wednesday Oct. 5 Thursday Oct. 6 6:00 Bd/Evangelism-Steward 6:30 Bd. Meetings Saturday Oct. 8 6:00 Wedding Rehearsal Sunday Oct. 9 2:30 Wedding Monday Oct 10 Pastor Gone (Conference) 6:00 SM Meeting Tuesday Oct. 11 Pastor Gone (Conference) Wednesday Oct. 12 5:30 Prayer Night Thursday Oct. 13 6:30 Council Meeting Friday Oct. 14 6:00 to 8:00 Couple s Night Sunday Oct to 5 Youth Scavenger Hunt Grades 4-12 Monday Oct. 17 6:00 Mom s Bible Study Tuesday Oct 18 11:00 Midweek Bible Study 6:00 Family Forum Wednesday Oct. 19 Monday Oct. 24 NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 6:00 SM Meeting Tuesday Oct :00 Midweek Bible Study Wednesday Oct. 26 5:30 Prayer Night Saturday Oct. 29 9:00 Men s Bible Breakfast Sunday Oct :30 Trunk or Treat All children of Prince of Peace are (preschool and up) are invited to attend our annual Trunk or treat. It will be held on Sunday October 30 th from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

7 OCTOBER 2016 PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4340 SIX MILE ROAD RACINE, WI CHRISTOPHER LOCKIE, PASTOR SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 8:30 Bd/Elders Meeting 2 LWML SUNDAY 10:00 Fellowship 10:15 Family Ed Hour Youth Group Grades :00 to 5: :00 Fellowship 10:15 Family Ed Hour 2:30 Wedding 16 10:15 Fellowship 10:30 Family Ed Hour Youth Scavenger Hunt 3 5 p.m. Grades :15 Fellowship 10:30 Family Ed Hour 30 10:15 Fellowship 10:30 Family Ed Hour 1 2:30 Trunk or Treat 3 6:00 Mom s Bible Study 10 Pastor Gone (conference) 6:00 SM Meeting 17 6:00 Mom s Bible Study 24 November Newsletter Deadline 6:00 SM Meeting :00 Midweek Bible Study 11 Pastor Gone (conference) 18 11:00 Midweek Bible Study 6:00 Family Forum 25 11:00 Midweek Bible Study :30 Prayer Night :30 Prayer Night Confirmation 6 6:00 Bd/Evangelism Stewardship 6:30 Board Meetings 13 6:00 Council Meeting Couples Night 6:00 to 8:00 6:00 Wedding Rehearsal :00 Men s Bible Breakfast

8