From the Pastor – September

Our Summer Adult Bible class has been studying an Ambassadors of Reconciliation document entitled “Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation.” Conflict with God and with others is a result of our sinful nature that is focused primarily on ourselves. Our heart’s desires become idolatrous when we fear, love, and trust someone or something more than God. One of our class members shared this “billboard” definition of idolatry – it is when “anything or anyone increases the desire of more of itself.” Our sinful condition, factures our relationship with God and others as we pridefully seek to satisfy ourselves. When we sin against God, we usually sin against others.

As Christians, we frequently find ourselves in conflict, but “godly grief,” recognizing we sinned against God produces repentance. Holy Scriptures remind us not to let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26) and to take the first step toward reconciliation with others. Our society doesn’t recognize confession and asking for forgiveness; instead, the word “apologize” is used. To apologize literally means to express regret or to make a defense. So, oftentimes you’ll hear “I’m sorry but…” or “I’m sorry if you feel offended by …” These words attempt to justify our actions or displace the blame.

But when we confess our sins to one another by saying, “My sin hurt you …” or “I confess that my actions hurt you when I …” Then we ask for forgiveness. By owning our own sin and not trying to justify ourselves in front of others, we can genuinely express our sorrow for the hurt our sin has caused. When we ask for forgiveness, we can trust in Christ’s forgiveness, for our God is slow to anger and does not deal with us as we deserve. We cannot do anything to earn or deserve God’s forgiveness. We come as beggars, with nothing to offer, seeking God’s mercy. Yet, in God’s amazing love for us, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to take our place and take the punishment we deserve.

Because of what Christ did for us on the Cross, we can be assured that our sins are forgiven. God sees us as if the sin has never happened (Just as If It Is gone); by the power of God’s Word and Holy Spirit, we can seek to change our behavior. Paul says that,

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” (Romans 6:22).

The sanctified life, with God’s help, enables us to live, love, and forgive like Jesus

By God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, confession of our sins leads us to confessing our faith to others. Peter reminds us that we should,

“…always be prepared to make a defense (“apologia”) to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

An apologist, is one who defends their faith; making a defense doesn’t mean are trying to argue people into believing; in fact, Martin Luther said that reason is often the “greatest hinderance to faith.” (Table Talk, Herman Bohlaus, no.2904).

In light of our contemporary pluralistic society (that claims there are many ways to eternal life), Christian apologetics can equip and complement our outreach and evangelistic efforts. Today, Christianity is being attacked on all sides and for contradictory reasons;

“Christianity is being attacked for being too rational and for being too emotional, for its moral strictness and for its immorality, for being unscientific, and for claiming to be true.” (Making the Case for Christianity: Responding to Modern Objections, p. viii).

The goal of apologetics is become better equipped to share our faith and defend our faith. We might just have a 30 second elevator ride or a long checkout line at the grocery store; whenever or wherever we are we pray God would give us courage and conviction to share our faith. God has forgiven us, and how we offer forgiveness to others may open the door to sharing our faith in words and actions.

Pastor Schuldheisz