I've had an Epiphany!

The article title in the newspaper said “25 % of Swiss People Are Unbelievers.” Of course, the world in general, and the media in particular, love to report anything negative about the church. Good news doesn’t sell newspapers. However, looking at this article through the optimistic, evangelistic eyeglasses of God’s Kingdom workers, a better point of view would be “75% of Swiss People are Believers.” The article did have some interesting information, though. It said the interviewers found that the religious views of the Swiss are divided into four different groups. Those groups are: 1. The Distanced. The distanced are the folks who might attend church on occasion but for whom religion isn't all that important. They have beliefs, but the institutional church doesn't always shape those beliefs. 2. The Institutional. Although it isn't a very complimentary title, the Institutional folks are the ones for whom church is important and who are faithful attendees. 3. ...

Matthew 10:24-33 "A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household! 26 "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him...

Matthew 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ...

1 Timothy 1:12-17 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. What do you look for in a pastor? What are his duties? What is his role in the congregation? The pastor is a leader, yet he is also your ser...

Funeral for Judy J. Olsen Psalm 23:1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. For centuries, the 23 rd Psalm has been one of the most treasured passages in all of Holy Scripture. They are among the most comforting, often being quoted in times of trouble or distress. In this psalm we see the imagery of the Lord being our Shepherd and host in both the peaceful days and in the difficult days. The Good Shepherd is w...

Matthew 7:15-29   “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.   16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?   17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.   18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.   19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.   20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.   22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’   23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and ...