Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I have something extremely important to say.  It’s vital to your life.  “ព្រះយេស៊ូវស្រឡាញ់អ្នក”[1] … “Preahyesaouv sraleanh anak.”[2]  Please, heed this warning!  What?!  You don’t get it!  Okay, listen again, “حضرت عیسی آپ سے محبت کرتے ہیں”[3] … “Tum yesuh Masih ko piryarey ho.”[4]  Please … listen … know this life-giving fact … make it part of your life!

Over past several weeks, Paul has reminded us God has given us several gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).  We don’t have the same gifts, but the variety comes together in one body, the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).  Whatever the gifts, they’re not given for personal enjoyment.  They’re given to communicate the Good News that all “may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31) Helping others believe in Jesus … to have life in Him … is why Paul makes the point he makes in 1 Corinthians 14:12, “… strive to excel in building up the church.”  God calls on His church to do more than rest in the certain knowledge we’re saved through faith in Christ.  He calls us to spread this knowledge – to those struggling in faith – and to others so they can come, through the Holy Spirit, to also believe … joining the Body of Christ to use their gifts to “build up the church.”

All God’s people’s gifts are needed to “build up the church,” including “speaking in tongues.”  But, if someone speaks in tongues, a spiritual gift, and nobody can understand them; it’s like screaming in Khmer or Urdu, “Fire!” in a theater to warn people.  However, if someone interprets, another spiritual gift, people can understand.  Understanding, leads to knowledge and action.  Paul shows us all God’s people need to use all their gifts to “build up the church.”

There are challenges to using our gifts – for example, lack of confidence in our abilities.  God comforts us, “Don’t worry.  I’ll always be there with my faithful people.” (Jeremiah 1:6-8) He asks us to “Follow Him in Faith.” 

You’re going to hear that phrase, “Follow Him in Faith,” often.  January 6^th was a big milestone for First Lutheran – the 45^th anniversary of the first service involving those who’d become the congregation we see as a “light on a hill.”  Many, including Al and Sally P. and Jim and Ardith H., “Follow(ed) Him in Faith” to “build up the church” over 45 years.  What’s next for us who “Follow Him in Faith” the next 45 years?  God has blessed us with many gifts … unused land, a thriving preschool, and many facilities.  Imagine using them more fully to “build up the church.” Not the structures, but, the people – the faith of those who believe, as well as, bringing more into faith.  In the coming months you’re going to hear how God is calling us to “Follow Him in Faith” as we start a campaign to build facilities to enable us to serve more neighbors in new ways while taking advantage of existing spaces to enhance our worship of God … the provider of all things.

By the way … “ព្រះយេស៊ូវស្រឡាញ់អ្នក” ... “حضرت عیسی آپ سے محبت کرتے ہیں” … “Jesus loves you.”

                                                                                        In Christ’s Love,

                                                                                        Pastor Jim