bread of life

I am the bread of life

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Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. – John 6:35

Perfectly Satisfied

 So easily we focus on the things of this world, thinking that if we could satisfy our longings, then we would be content: “If only I had more money in my retirement account, then I’d be happy.” “If only I had a new/different job, then I’d be happy.” “If only I could get that new car/house/dress/pair of shoes, then I’d be satisfied.”

It never works. For what we really need is food not for this world, but food for our souls. We need to have an answer for our guilt. We need to know that our sins are forgiven, that we’re at peace with God. We need to know where we’re going when we leave this world.

And in Jesus we get all of those things. Jesus paid for our sins, Jesus washed our guilt away. Jesus opened the gates of heaven for us, Jesus established peace between us and God.

 So if you never want to be hungry or thirsty again, then feast! Feast on the Word of God, feast on the good-news message of Jesus, your Savior. Eat, drink and be satisfied, perfectly satisfied–in Jesus.

I am the light of the world

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When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

Light in the Midst of Darkness

This world is full of darkness. It’s under the temporary management of the prince of darkness, the devil. And it’s evident from the dark thoughts we have, the dark things we hear in the news, and the dark fears that try to crawl up our back and get their hands on us. And we each have a dark side that no one else sees—a sinful side that is capable of dark things.

But when we follow Jesus, the darkness retreats. He is the Light of the world. We read from Isaiah chapter 9: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…For to us a child is born!” Jesus came into our dark world to give us the light of God’s saving truth. He embodied light as the Son of God in human flesh and blood. He spoke light as he taught the good news of God’s love. He drove back the darkness with miracles of healing and kindness. So when he died, the sun itself turned dark.

But the light of life shone in the tomb’s darkness. Jesus lived again! Jesus destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light. Through Jesus, we can stand in the light of God’s presence. Sin is forgiven. Death is defeated.

The darkness is still there: dark thoughts, dark fears, dark events that happen in a dark world. But when we follow Jesus in faith, we don’t walk in darkness. We live in confidence and hope.

We have the light of life. A life illuminated by Jesus’ death and resurrection. A life lit up with hope in God’s loving promises. A life shining with perfect peace and joy in heaven.

How can I begin to read the Bible?

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The Bible is a big book. Maybe you’re like many other people who want to read the Bible but don’t known where to start.

In reality, the Bible isn’t just one book; it’s a collection of 66 books. Knowing a few things about some of the books may help you to have some idea about where to start. So let’s first take a quick look at subject matter of some of the books, then I’ll give a brief suggestion about how to get started in Bible reading. If you want to know more details about each of the books of the Bible, you can check out the articles which are included on this website. Look at Book by Book.

The Bible is divided into an Old Testament and a New Testament. The Old Testament contains books which were written before Jesus’ time and the New Testament contains books written after Jesus’ time. When you’re reading Old Testament books (like Genesis, the Psalms, Isaiah, etc.) you’re reading about events which happened before Jesus came. In those books God is telling us about his plan of salvation, how he brought Jesus the Savior to the world, about our need for the Savior, and prophecies about the Savior, so we could recognize Jesus when he came. Some of the books of the Old Testament are straight-forward history (like Genesis). Other books have many details about the worship life of the Old Testament Israelites (like Leviticus), and others address very specific time periods in the Israelite history (like Amos and Hosea); those can be a bit more challenging to read and understand.

The New Testament books were written after the birth of Jesus. The first four books, the “Gospels” – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – give us the account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The book of Acts records the history of the early New Testament church and the spread of the gospel message. The majority of the books of the New Testament are letters, written either to churches or individuals, in which God gives us further insights into the truths he expects us to believe.

So where do we start? I’d suggest the following:

  1. Luke
  2. Mark
  3. Genesis and Exodus
  4. Matthew
  5. Romans
  6. 1 & 2 Samuel or John or Acts or 1 Peter or some Psalms or Ephesians or Philippians – you decide! Or, re-read the first five suggested books again, and then go on.

That will allow you to start with Jesus’ life, death and resurrection – that’s the heart of God’s saving work for you. Then you’ll begin to broaden your knowledge by seeing the beginning of all things. Then you’ll study Jesus’ life again, then broaden your understanding of Bible truth by reading one of the New Testament letters.

“What translation should I use?” There are several good ones. I’d suggest that you use a New International Version (NIV). It’s written in modern-day, understandable language, and is an accurate translation. “What if I don’t understand what I read?” Two thoughts – try reading it again and think about it in light of what you have already read in the Bible. Or keep on reading – perhaps the next time the meaning will be clearer, because you’ll have learned more. “Should I just read each book once?” No! Feel free to read, to re-read, and then to read it again! Particularly the first five suggested books – read them often! “What if I get confused?” Why not use the church locator feature on this website to locate one of our churches? Our pastors would be happy to help!

So go ahead! Open your Bible to the book of Luke (check the Table of Contents) and begin to get to know Jesus up close and personal!

I believe in God

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“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

I Believe in God

“I believe that the meeting is on the 15th… but I’m not sure.”
“I’m not sure. I believe that cold weather is on its way.”
“I don’t know for sure. I believe Mom is planning to have us all at her place this year.”

In our everyday conversations, sometimes the words “I believe” = “I’m not sure.”

But when Christians talk about their faith, it’s just the opposite. The words “I believe” = “I know for sure. I am confident. I know this to be true.”

What do we know for sure? What are we confident of? What do we know to be true? The Apostles’ Creed is a nice, short summary of what Christians believe. It starts with the words: I believe in God…

Jesus says to us in the Bible: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Faith is about knowing. Knowing facts. I believe = I know the facts of who God is and what he has done for me. I believe, I know, I am confident, I am sure that God made me, saved me through his Son, forgave me through faith in Jesus Christ, gave me eternal life.

Faith is also about knowing someone. It’s a relationship. Confident trust. I believe = I know and trust this creating, saving, forgiving, life-giving God as my God because he sent Jesus Christ, his Son, for me.

In our lives, so much can be uncertain: weather, politics, conflicts across the world, our health, our employment.

Here’s something you can be certain about: that the true God is your God, that he sent Jesus Christ to die and rise again for you, and that by trusting him as your Savior you have eternal life. You can say: “I know this to be true. I am sure of it. I am confident of it. I believe in God.”

God the Father

I believe in God, the Father almighty

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So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. – Galatians 3:26

Our Heavenly Father

There are hundreds of names for God in the Bible. Each teaches us a little something about who God is and how he acts. In some places God is called “Almighty.” Other places God is called “The beginning and end.” He even has some unique names that describe him as the “Root of David” or “launderer’s soap.”

However, when Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, he chooses the name “Our Father.”

That name “Father” has a special meaning. Whether we had a good earthly father or not, we know what fathers are supposed to do. Fathers love and care for their children. They want the best for them and strive to teach them all they need to know.

You can’t expect these kinds of things from a stranger. When you need something, you can count on your father.

This is what God wants for you. He is your Heavenly Father who loves you so much that there is nothing he wouldn’t do for you. He cares for you so much that he promises to guide all the steps of your life. He wants the best for you so that you may spend all eternity with him. He strives to teach you all the things you need for this life and the next.

How is this most special relationship with God established? It is only “in Christ Jesus.”

It is because Christ Jesus was willing to give his very life for you on the cross and to defeat death for you by rising from the grave that you can now be called sons and daughters of God. He is your dear Father and in Christ you are his dear child. Through faith these gifts become yours.

Treasure this as you confess in the Apostles Creed, “I believe in God the Father Almighty.”

I believe in God…maker of heaven and earth

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Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 124:8

The Almighty God is Our Helper

The world is such a crazy place. Few days pass before we hear about another shooting or bombing or attack of some kind. Crazy!

How is your world? Is your world as crazy as the big world around us? Perhaps sometimes it feels that way. Sometimes we simply say, “I need help!”

And we have it. In the Apostles’ Creed we confess that we believe in God the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth. The verse from Psalm 124 reminds us that the “Maker of heaven and earth” is also the One in whom our help is found. Think about what that means for your life. The One who was powerful enough to say, “Let there be light” and light appeared, the One who was powerful enough to put the sun, moon, and stars in the heavens, that One is also your helper! And he’s a faithful helper. He’ll not leave your side, ever.

Yes, this world may be crazy. Yes, your world may feel crazy at times. But we have the ultimate helper, the God who made the heavens and the earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, [God the Father’s] only Son, our Lord

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“But what about you?” [Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:15-16

The Real Jesus

Many people try to find the “real” Jesus. Who is this man who commands so much interest and attention? Who is this man who has had such a large impact on humanity?

Jesus once asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” The disciples gave a number of complimentary responses comparing him to great religious teachers and very moral men.

However, none of those answers were good enough. Wanting his disciple’s answer, he asks them, “But who do you say I am?”

Peter boldly responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

This is the real Jesus.

More than just an ordinary man, he is the very Son of God sent for our salvation.

Is there any gift more precious? Any gift more valuable? Jesus is God’s own Son to right our wrongs and save us from our sins. No one else will do.

Jesus is God’s Son; he is true God. There was no sacrifice that would be sufficient to pay for our sins other than God’s very Son who is God himself. There was no one who could meet the perfect requirements that God demands other than his only Son, our Lord.

If you want to see the proof that God loves you and that he wants to draw you to himself, look no further than this most precious gift, God’s own Son. If you want to know if this Jesus is powerful enough to really help you, look no further than the one who has skin and bones like you and me but is nothing less than God.

This is the real Jesus.

I believe in Jesus Christ…who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

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The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” – Luke 1:35

Crazy

When God first made the promise, to human ears it must have sounded crazy: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son…” (Isaiah 7:14). The virgin will conceive? That just doesn’t happen!

But it did happen. It happened to Mary, as the Holy Spirit miraculously caused her to become pregnant with Jesus. And so we confess in the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in Jesus Christ…who was conceived by the Holy Spirit.” It sounds crazy, but God made it happen.

And so God the Holy Spirit has the power to make all sorts of other crazy-sounding promises come true too. He promises that in Baptism he will wash your sins away; he does it. He promises that the gospel is God’s power for salvation; it is. He promises that in the Lord’s Supper he gives us Jesus’ true body and blood; he does. He promises to make all things work for your good; he has, and he’ll continue to do so. He promises that by faith in Jesus he’ll take you to heaven someday; he will.

For, you see, ultimately it doesn’t matter how “crazy” God’s promises may sound to our ears. What matters is the power behind those promises. And just who is the power behind those promises? The power behind those promises is the Almighty Holy Spirit! So, just as God’s “crazy” promise that a virgin would conceive came true, so God the Holy Spirit will fulfill all his promises. That’s crazy all right–crazy good!

I believe in Jesus Christ…born of the virgin Mary

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All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”
– Matthew 1:22-23

What an Entrance

Now that was an entrance! If you’ve ever seen the Disney movie Aladdin, you know the scene . . . Aladdin had just used one of his three wishes to become a prince so that he would qualify to marry Princess Jasmine. He’s dressed marvelously as his new persona, Prince Ali Ababwa. And he doesn’t come alone. On the back of an elephant, with a full scale orchestra and what looks like a zoo accompanying him down the main street, Prince Ali enters the palace. It wasn’t true, but he wanted everyone to believe that he was a prince. I think the genie put on a pretty convincing show!

It is true that Jesus is the Prince of heaven, yet he didn’t come in an elaborate show. Can you get any less elaborate than a virgin’s womb, in lowly Bethlehem, in a barn? He was the long foretold Prince of Peace, yet he arrives, not in pomp and circumstance, but in humility. He would convince people of his royalty, not in dress or with an orchestra or exotic pets. He would convince people of his royalty with his love. The world heard the news that the angels sang; they’ve heard the message that the shepherds (and evangelists after them) proclaimed. The Holy Spirit used that gospel to plant faith in hearts, faith that would enable believers to see the grandiose love of God wrapped in flesh and laid in a manger. Our humble Savior showed his love when he set us free from sin and death.

His appearance wasn’t amazing, but the grace that he gives sure is! His entrance wasn’t awe-inspiring, unless faith enables you to see in him the heart of God that bleeds for you! See the virgin birth through which God was born to be with people like us. The Divine was born to die, so that death-bound sinners, like us, could live. The fact that God would leave heaven and set foot on earth to rescue sinners is an amazing feat of love. Yet humility was and always has been his theme.

By faith, we see what really happened in Bethlehem that night: the grand entrance of God born in flesh, God born to save us from sin and to win us for his glory.

I believe in Jesus Christ…suffered under Pontius Pilate

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Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. – Mark 15:15

It’s Not Fair

“It’s not fair!” the five-year-old child pleads as his mother takes away his toy truck.

“It’s not fair!” the teenager protests when her father grounds her for two weeks.

We all want life to be fair. Or so we claim. One of my professors in college had formerly served as the vice-principal of a high school. As such, he was responsible for disciplining students. He told us how often students would insist, “That’s not fair!” after he announced their punishment. He always responded the same way, “You don’t want it to be fair. You want it to be UNfair to your advantage.”

This is truer for most of us than we would like to admit. As the police officer approaches your car after pulling you over and you KNOW you were going much faster than the posted speed, you are not hoping he will be fair. You are hoping he will be UNfair to your advantage and let you go without giving you a ticket.

In the history of this world there has never been an event less fair than the sentencing of Jesus Christ to die on a cross. He had broken no law. He was, in every sense, completely innocent. He was not just innocent of crimes against the government, he was completely innocent before God. Yet, the Roman Governor, Pilate, sentenced Jesus to death and freed a known murderer named Barabbas. It was not fair.

We can thank God that it was not fair. You see, it was not just Barabbas who was set free on that Friday in Jerusalem. We were set free as well. Our sins against God deserved his eternal anger and punishment. But Jesus was punished instead. He went to the cross. We were set free. By faith in him, we are free from our sins, free from guilt, free from fear, free from punishment.

What Jesus endured was not fair. But he was willing to endure it because of his great love for us. When it comes to our salvation, thank God it’s not fair!