All Will Live in Christ
To allow Pastor Jenson time for grieving, Deacon Poe delivers today’s sermon.
Original sin afflicts us all. There is no way to escape it, outrun it, or “level up” to being perfect humans. We were born sinful, commit sins daily, and can never redeem ourselves. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is good news!
We are made alive in Christ! But what does that mean exactly? It means that Christ, through his life and death on the cross, redeemed us. He paid the price for our sins and through him, our sin is taken away. He did what we could never do for ourselves.
We gain the gift of eternal life because of His sacrifice. He forgives us, loves us, and makes us whole.
We are alive in Christ! Alleluia!
Today’s sermon is based on 1 Corinthians 15:
21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
The Resurrection Body
35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. 39 Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another.
40 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. 41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.
42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable.
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Announcements
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lee Jenson, wife of Pastor Jenson. Her funeral was held on Wednesday, February 16th. While we know Lee is at peace in her Savior’s arms, the earthly pain still exists. Please keep Pastor Jenson and his family in your prayers.
Bible Study: Our midweek Bible study will resume on Tuesday, March 1st. Please note it will continue on Tuesday nights due to Lenten services on Wednesdays.
Lent: We are happy to announce that we will host in-person services on Wednesday nights during Lent. Please note the time of service will be at 6 pm. There will be no soup dinner this year. We are moving the service to 6 pm to allow folks to get home before total darkness.
Donations: Even during the pandemic and with a decline in attendance, the expenses still go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location. You may also donate online.
LWML: The next Zone Prayer Service is scheduled for February 26 at Lamb of God in Seattle. Please contact Margaret Ebert for more details. Also, activities are ongoing so any financial support is appreciated!
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will be printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday. Remember to obtain permission if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person.