“Thanks Be
To God Who Gives Us The Victory In Christ”
Dear Friends in Christ:
Last
month as I was looking through one of our church libraries, I noticed a small
book that I had never seen before.
It was the history of our Iowa District; and how it eventually divided
into two districts as we have it today, Iowa District
East and West. Not only did the book talk about our
rich spiritual heritage but it also shared a history of our State of
Iowa. In one of the chapters, it told how the
settlers came by covered wagon, riverboat, and most importantly the
railroad to
settle our state. In the 1860’s to
go by train from Iowa City to Chicago, it took 12 hours at a cost of $7.20
per
person; immigrants could go for $2.00 per person. That was about the same time when St. Paul Lutheran Church
began; 1865, the very year the Civil War ended.
Looking back at the history of not only our Synod and Districts but
also our very church helps us to see the challenges
and the many opportunities
our forefathers, pastors, and teachers faced as they too placed their faith and
hope in the
Word of God. Their
foundation was the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our Lord was their “Chief Cornerstone.” In this was
their joy and their
hope and their confidence.
Today in this the second decade of this new millennium and century, our
foundation still remains the same, based upon
the prophets and the apostle’s
with Jesus Christ as the “Rock of our
Salvation.” And our same Jesus
Christ” is still
unshakable! Today we hold fast by faith to them, to
participate in these truths so that these promises may fill our hearts
and
lives and provide blessings beyond number for us and our families.... and for
others as we share this Good and Best
News of our Savior Jesus Christ Risen and
Ever living from the dead. That is
our Easter joy that remains forever!
St. Paul writes these words in 1st
Corinthians 15.
╬ “The fact is Christ has been raised from the
dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Vs. 20
Our Lord is alive and with us, working with us, in us, and through
us by His Word and Sacraments. He
is there to
hear our prayers and to empower us with His love. Every day we rest in His forgiving,
renewing, and strengthening
truths of His grace so that we might go forth in
faith and courage through His Holy Spirit’s power.
Our response must always be:
╬ “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Vs. 57
╬ “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing
move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work
of the Lord, because you
know that your labor in the Lord is not
in vain.” Vs. 58
Let us go forth in faith with Jesus.
See you at the Lord’s altar!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Knoll
