Does It Matter..."All Scripture is Given by
the Inspiration of God, and is Profitable
for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction
for Instruction in Righteousness"?
2 Timothy 3:16

St. John's has been for nearly a year now, a part of the Lutheran initiative to encourage all members to read the Bible over a three year period. Many members have been a part of the adult "Book of Faith" classes and others have purchased the new "Lutheran Study Bible" published by Augsburg, but this summer we have a test as Lutherans with what we really believe to be the role of scripture.
A little history, please...
All Martine Luther's theologival thinking presupposes the authority of Scripture. He would even claim his theology is nothing more than an attempt to interpret the Scripture. Luther was a professor of Biblical exegesis at the University of Wittenberg. He wrote volumes of lectures (called sermons) using the Bible as his main authority but philosophy and reson were secondary proof thesis. This is basic "Luther 101". So what does this mean for you and me?
The significance of the Bible....
As the synodical and ELCA Assemblies gather this summer, some controversial issues will surface for review and action. Same sex union, abortion, homosexual candidates for ordained ministry, and a Human Sexuality Social Statement will headline the Assemblies business in newspaper around the world. The acceptance or lack of it at these ecclesiastical events will be printed as the "official" stance of our Church. However,the offical stance on all issues has already been printed - the Bible.
Why the Bible is our authority...
The Scripture offers all that is necessary for salvation. Christians need no other truth for their salvation beyond that proclaimed in Scripture. No dogma nor rule of the church that is not already contained in Sciprture is necesssary for salvation. We are saved by god's grace through faith that is given as a gift from God. Open your Bible and find the worst kept secret of the universe - God so loved the world He sent His Son...

PASTOR'S COLUMN
EAGLE SIGHTINGS

--Are these statics correct? I read that 49 million abortions have been performed since Roe vs. Wade. Five late-term abortionists have been killed in the same time frame, including the latest, a Lutheran, Dr. George Tiller. At the same time our country is only .5 percent Muslim but several dozen Muslims have killed thousands of Americans. The term "terriorists" is not presently politically correct, but what should we call these murderers? Merderers? The Commandment "You shall not kill" is still God's law!

--"Wow! This is sensational." That's what one older member of the congregation said as I led her into the Parish Hall that is being remodeled.
Aimee Holland is the chief architect of improvements the Vision Team have designed for our main fellowship area. Colors and updated conveniences are designed to make the Parish Hall an even more functional asset to our Mission at St. John's.
Thanks Aimee and Team.

--Prayer Partnerships between adults and Sunday School students continue even through the summer. One added ingredient for praying for these youth at this time of the year is that God will watch over them as they find safe and profitable ways to spend their free time during vacation from school. Thanks for supporting our youth in daily prayer.

SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITY

This fall Pastor Peterson will be leading a Sunday morning adult class called, "Developing the Marriage of Your Dreams". The course is a biblical, topical study for those who want to make their marriages healthier. Some of the class titles include: Understanding What Every Wife/Husbands Needs; Building Healthy Fences; Sex, God's Good Gift, the 10 Commandments of Marriage. A helpful "Personality Inventory" will be given each participant. This 12 week course is for couples or singles who want to develop healthier relationships. Prior sign up is required so that material can be ordered.
Whether you've been married a short time or what seems a life time, this course offers biblically sou nd material to make your relationship healthier. The class starts Sunday, September 13 at 9:15 am.

National Assembly of the ELCA

Please join the 100,000 members of the Northern Illlinois Synod in praying for a spiritually successful National Assembly of the ELCA. 50 days of prayer is happening across the nation as delegates come together to discern God's Will in some very important matters. The Assembly will be held in august in Minneapolis. Your prayers are important.

The Friends of the Library will be selling paperbacks again on Saturday, August 8, 2009 during the Sweet Corn Festival weekend on the driveway of the Hume-Carnegie Historical Museum. FOL needs your gently used paperbacks. Look for Drop-Off Boxes during the month of July ONLY at several churches, including ours, as well as Sullivan's Grocery and Graves-Hume Library. Proceeds are well spent providing new library materials for adults and children.