Christ is Risen We serve a living Savior

“Christ is Risen!” We serve a living Savior Who is with us!

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. Jesus in John 10: 14 -16 (ESV)

God the Father created every human being.

Jesus Christ, God’s Only Son and our Savior, shed His blood to redeem every human being.

The Holy Spirit is working through the Means of Grace, seeking to call, gather and enlighten all.

The Need

Every Human Being will live for all eternity. Question is: Where?

Each Day in our world 151, 600 people enter eternity.

Each Day in the United States 7, 195 people enter eternity.

Each Day in Indiana 166 people enter eternity.

Close to 1 in 4 in our culture identify as a “none” which is the answer given to the question, “With which religion do you identify? ”

Approximately 3 out of 10 people when asked, do not identify as Christian. (Many who do identify as Christian are not actively practicing the faith. )

How many people are entering eternity without Christ? The need to share the Gospel is current, urgent, and great!

God’s Resources

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. Jesus in John 10: 27 -29 (ESV)

The Father calls people to a saving faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior by the working of the Holy Spirit through the Word! Law and Gospel. Every Sunday in your congregation!

Whom might you invite to hear the Word?

“…there are some who have heretofore not yet heard the gospel, and who would be willing to learn if someone would tell it to them, or who are so weak that they cannot readily grasp it. These you should not bully or beat up, but instruct in a kindly and gentle manner, giving them a defense and explanation. If they are unable to grasp it at once, bear with them for a time. …” Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 45 : The Christian in Society II. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds. ) (Vol. 45, pp. 71– 72). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

“…St. Paul says of them in Romans 15, ‘Welcome him who is weak in faith’; and Peter says in 1 Peter 3[: 15], ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to any one who desires a defense and explanation of the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and fear. ’ Here you see that we are to give instruction in our faith gently and in the fear of God to any man who desires or needs it. ” Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 45 : The Christian in Society II. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds. ) (Vol. 45, pp. 71– 72). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

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e N d e ? p l e H A Program from the LCMS available through Concordia Publishing House that teaches how to engage people with the Gospel in simple, genuine ways – no pressure – no arguing – sharing God’s love! © 2017 Concordia Publishing House

God’s Results

How I Became a Lutheran I was always interested in the Bible, but I found it confusing that all churches interpreted the Bible differently. In September of 2014, I saw an advertisement for a Lutheran version of the ALPHA Class (an introduction to the Christian faith) at Grace Lutheran Church, LCMS. I was warmly welcomed, made many friends, completed the class, and continued on with a study of Luther’s Small Catechism.

How I Became a Lutheran The true meaning of God’s Word became clear to me, including the distinction between Law and Gospel and the centrality of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Through these classes, and the opportunity to ask questions and find biblical answers, the Bible became God’s living Word for me. In November of 2016, I joined the church and I continue to understand the Bible better each day. Linda M. – Grace Lutheran, Columbus, IN

God puts opportunities in front of us and we can take them or ignore them. My wife and I took the opportunity to enroll in a Lutheran version of the ALPHA course as well as a course in Luther’s Small Catechism. We learned about the centrality of Christ in Scripture and about the importance of Baptism in our lives. I was raised in a Baptist church and was immersed at the age of 13 after I and others my age were told, “This is your time. ” However, I was never taught what Baptism meant, and looking back over the years I viewed it as little more than an historical event. How I Became a Lutheran

A Lutheran understanding of theology and of Scripture changed all that, and it changed my life as well. Today, my Baptism is much more than a memory. I know it is God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ that travels with me daily. I no longer say, “I was baptized. ” Now I say, “I am baptized. ” Morris S. – Grace Lutheran, Columbus, IN How I Became a Lutheran

The Chr istia The Christian Faith is b n ch eco com ming urch is Still Alive and mit m ore ted com as l Well in the US! mit ess ted leav e. A recent sociological study discovered that the percentage of the population who have a strong affiliation with the Christian faith has not changed in close to 20 years. The decline in weekly attendance is among those who are more weakly connected to the Christian faith.

It’s Not About Guilt. It’s about Being Faithful.

The Holy Spirit alone creates faith where and when He wills. The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens and keeps the whole Christian church.

So… Wh at a resp re we cal ons led e to the to d o in Go spe l? What is our role?

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1: 10 -12 (ESV)

Luther says it this way commenting on 1 Peter 1: 9: We have no other reason for living on earth than to be of help to others. If this were not the case, it would be best for God to kill us and let us die as soon as we are baptized and have begun to believe. But He permits us to live here in order that we may bring others to faith, just as He brought us. Quote from Luther’s Works, volume 30 © 1967, 1995 Concordia Publishing House, www. cph. org. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved.

We Are Not Alone!

Jesus says, John 16: 8 ”And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. ” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 16: 8– 13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus says, John 16: 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 16: 8– 13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. ”