Some people say that nothing is impossible when people have a strong faith. The bible illustrates this concept in Matthew 17 as follows: Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
This was the case with a very small group of determined German Lutherans in the late 1800s that found themselves in the wild west newly formed town of El Paso in far west Texas that wanted to start a church. Against all odds and after a less than successful start they persevered and out of that several churches were formed in El Paso, New Mexico, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua City Mexico, and as far away as New Guinea.
Tim Eyerman tells the story as he and his wife became a small part of this story of faith at work.
Tim has written a book about the History of Zion Lutheran Church and the parallel history of Ft. Bliss, El Paso, the world at large, and 5 points. He is donating 50 copies to Zion to sell, with all proceeds of these fifty benefitting the ministry of Zion. Pre-order your paperback copy for $12.50 (+ $4.60 shipping if necessary)
Please fill out this form to reserve your copies of The Power of Faith and we will let you know when they are available, and you can pay at that time.
“One day a meat packer was asked, ‘What is your business?’ He answered, ‘I am a Christian.’ Rather puzzled and perplexed over the answer, the inquirer continued, ‘Sir, you evidently did not understand me. I mean, what is your daily business in life?’ ‘My daily business is to be a Christian. I pack meat to pay the expenses.’”
This story is one that bears truth but not ALL the truth when it comes to our Christian life. It’s true that his wages pay expenses of home, church, mission, and charity. However, he should know that the tasks of his job are also his Christian work for the Lord. In it he is using natural gifts God has given, held and used by believers and unbelievers. The packer is participating in God’s answer to the prayers of those praying, “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Lately I’ve been telling nurses and doctors as I encounter them at hospitals, “Thank you for taking care of ________. You’re doing the Lord’s work.” As Christians, our vocations involve spiritual gifts (Rom 12 & 1 Cor 12) and also natural gifts that are part of God’s design in creation. As someone once expressed poetically:
God made the sun—it gives. God made the moon and stars—they give. God made the air—it gives. God made the clouds—they give. God made the earth and sea—they give. God made the trees—they give. God made the flowers—they give. God made the fowls—they give. God made the beasts—they give. God made the PLAN—He gives. God made man—he …?
The poem stops without saying that man “gives,” critiquing our self-serving human nature. However God wants us to rejoice in knowing He has redemption and purpose for us. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)” This Good News passage reveals the giftedness of our lives. Unbelievers have natural gifts from God and ARE gifts in their good works. Believers have those natural gifts and spiritual gifts, fruit of the Holy Spirit that we pray for and rejoice to see flow through our lives.
Barna research has revealed that 55% of practicing Christians select “church” as the place they most wish to develop their giftings, including abilities that aren’t spiritual in nature. I don’t think classes in meat packing would find their way into this year’s plans at Zion; however, this lent we are on a journey to know our gifts, celebrate them, plan to use them, and grow them… all for the Glory of God.
EveryGift Inventory – As part of our Sunday Lenten Journey to Purpose “Gifted for More” stewardship theme, you have free access to the EveryGift Inventory tool provided by Lutheran Hour Ministries. We’d like everyone at Zion to take some time this week to go online and learn more about your personal set of talents, skill, giftedness (as well as gifts you would like to develop). Find it at:
www.everygift.org
Use the Church Code: zionelpaso
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Stephen
This article, news, and information is found in our January 2024 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.
There was a lawyer who asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25) Jesus listened to the question and could have answered immediately with no debate. However, on this occasion, hearing the “what must I do” in the question and perhaps sensing that the question was a test, Jesus instead asked the man a question. Jesus’ process left the man with some answers and also planted seeds that would challenge his thinking with God’s deep truth.
LISTEN and ASK are the first two steps in the method for Christian witness that we are examining on Sunday mornings during the education hour. Both the adult class and youth class are looking into the topic this month.
When we spend time with unbelievers or “believers” who have their own preferred ideas about God, we can expect conversations to eventually arise about deep-felt beliefs or questions about life. Sometimes we worry that we don’t know enough to be able to share the gospel or that such conversations will only lead to fights. This is why I’ve selected this topic and the “Every One His Witness: Lutheran Evangelism” materials for us to learn together this year. It provides instruction for real and yet gentle, respectful sharing of the Gospel. In our everyday relationships, we can share about Christ and not leave the conversation disappointed because of unreasonable expectations. We can leave the conversation with the person appreciating the respect shown and the earnest words about Jesus Christ that we shared. We pray the Holy Spirit will ignite saving faith, as only He can, and that it won’t be thrown away.
Scenarios for Sharing
“How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” Romans 10:14
Our goal is more and more sharing of faith in El Paso. People have other views. They have questions and objections to Christianity. Nevertheless, they can come to faith. “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit. (1Cor 12:3).” The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel message to ignite faith, so let’s start sharing it with people in our lives. The website that corresponds with our Sunday morning study is:
www.everyonehiswitness.org . If you haven’t been to our study and received a book and invitation code for the website, you can still gain free access by going to the site and sending a request to the email noted on its homepage. Then use the code that you receive when you register at everyonehiswitness.org . You’ll enjoy the videos which introduce the different contexts, questions, and attitudes people have around us.
Let’s learn and grow together as people who think about the lost, pray for them, spend time with them, listen, ask, seek points of connection in their thoughts and the Gospel, share about Jesus in ways they can appreciate, invite them to further conversation, and encourage them in their journey.
See you on Sunday!
—Pastor Stephen
This article, news, and information is found in our January 2024 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.
If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
