Pentecost 2010
Let the fire of the Holy Spirit fill our lives with motivation for serving our Lord Jesus.
EASTER 2010
JESUS PERFECT LAMB OF GOD
WHO WAS, AND IS, AND IS TO COME
CROWNED BY ALMIGHTY GOD WITH ALL POWER AND GLORY
AS LORD OF LORDS, KING OF KINGS. THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA.
PRAISE MIGHTY MERCIFUL KING JESUS!
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!
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Christmas Article
God became human that humans might become godly. St. Athanasius, On the Incarnation
Did you ever think that Christmas might be about more than stress, guilt, and stuff? Do you see the emptiness that the world forces upon so many with glib talk of “winter holidays” or the ever present temptation to excess…excess drink, food, gifts, busyness? Is it any wonder that the holiday music begins to blare on “Black Friday” and ends not with the twelfth day of Christmas according to the Christian Calendar but the very evening of the 25th? So many forces make this not about Christ at all.
However, it is His birthday. What does His birth mean for us? What does His birth mean for you? What if God really did become man – God and Man simultaneously – in that Bethlehem manger? Why would God do such a thing? Top three biblical reasons might be to fulfill prophecy, to offer salvation, to love the creation…wait, could God love even me? How might I live once I realize that I am loved at the core of my very being?
May the Christ be born in your heart this Christmas and your life transformed by His love!
Peace in Christ,
Michael Comer, Pastor
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Victory in Jesus!
A casual reflection on life demonstrates certain definite statements as true. There is birth. There is death. There are taxes! We came into this world with nothing and we will leave this world with nothing (re: Ecclesiastes 5:15). There is evil, sin, brokenness in each of us. There is good, right, nobility in each of us. Jesus Christ is Lord and victor over sin, death, and the devil.
Wait a minute someone says! How dare we get religious in regards to things that are definite. How many thousands of denominations, how many world religions, how many contradictory ideas – definite? Perhaps it is a leap of faith, a stretch, a scandal to trust a first century crucified Jewish carpenter and rabbi is God incarnate, death destroying, evil demolishing LORD of all? However, what if I trust? What if we leap? Is Jesus definite in this life? Come and see (re: John 1:43-51).
“Enter you all into the joy of your Lord Jesus and receive your reward…The table is full; feast you all sumptuously. Enjoy you all the feast of faith…Let no one fear death, for the Savior’s death has set us free…O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen and you are overthrown. Christ is risen and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen and the Angels rejoice. Christ is risen and life reigns.”
Catechetical Address, St. John Chrysostom
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Michael Comer
Quotable quote if ever needed…
“This life therefore, is not righteousness but growth in righteousness; not health but healing; not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not what we shall be, but we are growing toward it. This is not the end, but it is the road. All does not gleam in glory, but all is being purified.”
Martin Luther
What is the Bible? Why study the Bible?
By Rev. Micheal Comer
The Bible is a book of hope for all humanity. This library of songs, poems, laws, geneaologies, histories, prophecies, epistles, proverbs, archetypes, fables, revelations, and gospels reveal the meanings of Jesus for us. The claim is that in the particulars of the national story of Israel and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the ultimate meaning of the human story, of my story will be realized. In these particular words the universal message of hope for humanity is made known. In these particular words the very Word of God is manifest. Martin Luther writes about the Bible, “Here you will find the swaddling cloths and the manger in which Christ lies, and to which the angel points the shepherds. Simple and lowly these swaddling cloths, but dear is the treasure, Christ who lies in them.”
The Gospel of John concludes that “these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). This sentiment may indeed describe the purpose of the whole of Scripture – that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may come to believe and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior! A living relationship with our Creator – true life now and forever – the truth about our human condition, sin, death and ultimate claims – one of the foundational texts for western civilization from art to law, from philosophy to literature – it might be that this Bible is worth more than a few moments of our day? How is it we can spend so much time on TV, internet communications, Hollywood gossip, and political arguments and so little time on the Book of books that we might get true wisdom, pray, meditate, and commune with the LORD of Lords?
Where should I begin studying the Bible? A schedule to read the whole of the Bible – Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha is offered for our fellowship in the weekly bulletin. Begin with Psalms (it is the prayer book of Jesus and His Church!) and the New Testament lesson. Read and pray in the morning and evening. Consider joining a Bible study group – there are several Sunday School classes for all ages and other study opportunities offered throughout the year. The Evening Prayer gathering specifically reads through the Story of Salvation from the Bible at 6:30 each Wednesday and a time for questions and insights is offered at the end of the homily. If you have questions or concerns anytime about your study, then please call (704-857-1377) or e-mail (ebenezerluthchurch@ctc.net) the pastor. Make it a spring resolution to study the Word of the Lord!
You're Invited! 
Life is a wonderful thing. At times our lives are filled
with joy and excitement, at other times they are filled with anxiety and
doubt. At Morning Rock, we believe that every life is special and has a
purpose, given to us by God our creator. Whatever the moment or situation
you are currently experiencing, God has a message for you. Open your
heart and listen to his voice inside you. Seek the comfort of fellowship
with your brothers and sisters in Christ. And pray often for mercy and wisdom.
Bring your family to
Ebenezer Lutheran Church on Sunday morning at 8:45am. Come inside and sit
down with our family as we sing and pray to God. Dress code is left at
the door. Jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops, or even pj's. (Hey sometimes
Saturday night can run a pretty late. ;-) God wants to speak to your
heart, and it doesn't matter what you are wearing. We will laugh and cry together, ever certain
of the love and strength that will be given to us as we raise our voices in
song to the one, the way, the life. Jesus is our ROCK and our salvation. 