Seems as though Summer just got started and suddenly we are seeing signs announcing “Back-to-School” and promoting “Savings!” As we think about education, rarely do we associate “savings,” but that, I propose, is the whole point.  The more we learn about God, the more we are drawn closer to Him.

I was sitting the other day and waiting to visit with someone who has been saved, and the slideshow on the monitor flashed a couple of Bible Verses and then interspersed this quote, “You can’t save people, you can only love them.” The next thing that popped into my head was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Sounds to me as though, when God is involved, being loved and being saved go hand-in-hand.

As Paul writes to his protégé Timothy, he encourages us, as well…
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Now I will concede that you cannot argue someone into faith.  Paul learned that as he was “debating with the Hellenistic Jews” in Acts 9.  But what you can do is love them where they are at, then share the Gospel as the Holy Spirit presents opportunity. And pray. Pray without ceasing…

​Pray for All People, as Paul explains in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

So, in order that all should be saved, we pray… then speak, as the words are given to us, and the heart is prepared to receive the good word. May we pray without ceasing and be bold in our witness that all may come to know the truth – and be saved – in Christ Jesus.
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Pastor Jim Kirschenmann

​When I was a kid in the 1960’s, this time of year always brought with it anticipation… There was anticipation of outdoor BBQ’s, squirt guns, swimming pools, baseball, hot dogs, etc. Thinking back, the most indelible memory is that of the red & white striped box with caramel popcorn & peanuts with the promise on the outside of the box ”Prize Inside!” …  okay, so later it was changed to “surprise inside” as the incentives got to be less and less over the years.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, gives this bit of encouragement in chapter 3:

“13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

No matter what you’re going through at the moment, no matter what obstacles you face or what challenges are presented, you can be absolutely certain that the “prize” that awaits you at the end of it all is far greater than anything you can possibly imagine – Eternal Life in Paradise with Christ!  The prize won for us, not by our own effort, but by the all-availing sacrifice of the Son of God and bought with His body and blood on the cross.

Consider, as you go through this next month, that you have freedom from the wages of sin, death, and the devil, because of what Christ has already done for you. And continue to press on… making disciples of Jesus along the way.  The “Prize” waiting for you is definitely worth it!

Grace, Mercy, and Peace in Christ,

​Pastor Jim Kirschenmann