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Dear Fellow Soldiers in Christ,

Since the events of Genesis chapter 3 mankind has been involved in a war. Satan, the ancient dragon, tempted Adam and Eve into sin. The fall into sin brought may hardships and difficulties - one of which is warfare.

Throughout history mankind has been at war with itself. In Genesis chapter 4 Cain killed Abel. Ever since that time there has been fighting and killing. In our own nation’s history each generation has faced its own fights and struggles. Some of the conflicts we have had in recent history have been World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Cold War, The Gulf War, and The War on Terrorism. Jesus warned us that before the end there would be wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).

However, the Scriptures also tell us of another kind of war which is fought on a daily basis. This war is described for us in Ephesians 6:12-13: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Satan is like a roaring lion looking for an opportunity to pounce upon us and destroy us (1 Peter 5:8). He shoots His flaming arrows of temptation, sin deceit, and despair at us (Ephesians 6:16). The war is real and the stakes are high. As sinners we are dead in our transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2:1). We are powerless to defeat this enemy on our own.

But take heart. The war has been fought for us and victory has been won. Jesus, the Son of God, has come into his world to crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). Through His perfect life, His death upon the cross, and His resurrection from the dead, Jesus has fought the enemy and has overcome. Satan has been hurled out of Heaven (Revelation 12:7-12). With the death and the resurrection of Jesus, victory has been assured to all who believe and trust in Christ for their salvation (Revelation 2:10).

However, the truth remains that as long as we live in this fallen world there will be a spiritual battle we must daily face (Romans 7:18-25). The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary they have divine power to destroy strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). This war is fought not with bullets and tanks, but with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. The battle is real. Therefore, God in His grace has given to us His armor which we need in order to safely face the enemy.

Throughout this season of Lent during our special Wednesday services and throughout Holy Week, we will be considering this spiritual battle which we are involved in as Christians. You may consult the schedule included in this newsletter for the date, times, texts, and themes of these services. This spiritual battle is fought daily in our lives as we struggle with truth, guilt, worry, temptations, and so many other things. I encourage everyone to attend these special services during this sacred time of the year. For here in the services of God’s House our Lord equips us with the full armor that we need in our struggles. The battles are real, the stakes are high, and the victory is yours through Christ Jesus. Receive then the full armor of God and go forth in confidence as you face the battle which is daily taking place in your life. Stand firm with the Lord’s armor.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Schoenfeld

Lent and Holy Week Service Schedule

 

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23

Ever since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3) every human being has come into this world as a sinful being.  Our sin separates us from God.  Left to ourselves we would perish for eternity in hell (John 3:36 & Hebrews 10:26-27).

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

God loves you so much that He came into this world as a human being (Luke 2:1-20).   Jesus, the Son of God, lived a perfect life for you (Hebrews 4:14-16), suffered and died upon a cross for you (John 19), and rose from the dead for you (Luke 24).   Now our risen Lord will forgive your sin (1 John 1:8-9) and grant eternal salvation to you if you believe in Him.  

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved…”  Acts 16:31

When God blesses you with a living faith in Jesus you will have a place in heaven.  Such salvation comes not by our works but by grace through faith in Jesus (Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-10).  

“And He died for all, that those who live, should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”  2 Corinthians 5:15

Now as those who have been given the gift of heaven we live no longer just for ourselves but to serve God and our fellow human beings.  (Ephesians 2:10)