President’s Perspective

We really are Special -- Chosen -- Blessed -- Called!!! 
Sunday, May 19th is Pentecost. This special day marks the time when God sent the Holy Spirit to mankind. When you look into a mirror, you're looking at the temple in which the Holy Spirit is working and comforting you. The machinations of the secular world shouldn't plant fear in your heart. We have only to fear God, and like the Psalmist says in chapter 34, "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." Again in chapter 34 we read, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them." So, as we watch the secular world devolve into chaos and strife, remain committed to your faith in God our Savior. "Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!" 

Being baptized with the Spirit makes us special. It isn't an accident you were baptized in the Triune God. It's a blessing and God chose you to receive this blessing. Christ called us to go into the world and teach the Gospel, baptize people into the church and like Christian Soldiers, to go "marching as to war" (as the song goes), to fight the good fight against the foe. Those are our marching orders so-to-speak. We can't be insular and timid as a church body. 

The blessing of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit can be seen in Romans, Chapter 8. Please read that chapter to re-familiarize yourselves with life lived in the Spirit. Verse 9 reads, "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the spirit of God dwells in you." Living a life that is spiritual, rather than worldly, is something that God wants us to do individually and together as the body of Christ-- the church. In verse 28 we read, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." That's us. He chose us to work for Him in the world to spread the Gospel and baptize people and save souls. Go, teach, baptize. Spread the Gospel. 

Hopefully, as our church here at Zion proceeds through history, we will fulfill the work expected of us toward the Great Commission. We'll proceed fearlessly and with purpose, proclaiming boldly that He is risen and lay the cross in front of the doubters and skeptics -- we preach Christ crucified. Pray for the Christians on earth and our LCMS, District and Zion. Amen. 

-- Paul Klemash