Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
Thanks be to God for such a great month at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church! Thank you to the congregation for being a part of my learning journey! Thank you for the wide array of gifts upon our arrival! Thank you to the congregation for inviting me to preach and teach the good news of Jesus Christ! Thank you to Pastor Hartwig on being a great mentor!
It is always good to give thanks to God for all of His benefits.
As we are out in the world, we should always give thanks to the Lord for all that we have: for our family, friends, a home, food, clothing, and that list goes on and on. Everything is a gift from God.
We give thanks to God by fearing, loving and trusting in God above all things. When our Lord Jesus Christ was asked what the greatest commandment was, He responded saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:36-40).
As we begin a new academic year, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church’s theme verse is perfect: “Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord!” Let us make a joyful noise by thanking our Lord and telling everyone we know what He has done for us! Although Jesus Christ was sinless, he took upon Himself our sins on the cross at Mt. Calvary, He died and rose again! He brings us the peace beyond all human understanding!
This is the peace that is worth sharing with all!
So, thank the Lord and sing His praise! Tell everyone what He has done! Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name! He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with SHOUTS of THANKSGIVING! Alleluia, alleluia!
Thanks be to God and to the congregation of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church!
Vicar Adelsen