“We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.”
(Psalm 124:7-8 ESV)
Dear Christian Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
“Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” It is a verse we quote during Divine Service, Setting 4 in our hymnal. We say it just before confessing our sins and receiving forgiveness from God.
The previous verse speaks of escape and snares. There is a good chance that King David, the author, had in mind invading kings and people close who could betray him. He was dealing with real people who were out to harm him. Of course, you have no such enemies. Do you? Then again, maybe you do. Let me list a few enemies as presented in the Bible:
- An unbelieving world with its temptations is a spiritual threat: “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16)
- Our sin is not a friend. Instead sin binds us. “I am of the flesh, sold under sin.” (Romans 7:14)
- You probably already rightly thought of the devil as an enemy. “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
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- Those in Hospice careFinally, death is our enemy. It is not just a part of life, like some say, but it is the ultimate penalty for sin and an enemy of all. “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
No wonder the Bible considers Jesus Christ our hero. Which of these enemies has He not fought for us and defeated? “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) Or, as an old friend of mine used to say, “Yay God!”Let us confess the Psalm verses above as true for us. Indeed, “Our help is in the name of the LORD.”God’s peace to you in Christ Jesus, our Lord!
Sunday (June 24) here at Prince of Peace…
9:30 am Matins with alternative accompaniment
10:30 Pre-call Meeting
Please note the summer worship time is 9:30 am
Prince of Peace News …
A Preliminary Call Meeting with East District President Paul Zabel has been set for Sunday June 24 following the worship service. The purpose of this meeting is to review what it means to call a pastor, to review our congregational profile, to review the procedures that are followed for calling a pastor, and to arrange for vacancy services. All members are invited to attend.
Summer Adult Bible Class has started. It is the sort of class that you can attend as you are able. Come and join us as we look at the new Small Catechism & Explanation. We are meeting Tuesday evenings, 7:15-8:30pm.
A Youth Pool Party/BBQ & Lock-In is being planned for Friday August 10 to Saturday August 11. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to come for a swim and BBQ. After that, the excitement will continue with an overnight lock-in at Prince of Peace. We pray you will be able to join us. Friends are also welcome!
A Retirement Celebration in honour of Pastor Walrath is planned for Saturday, August 25, at the Continental Austrian Club in Burlington. The fully catered meal will include roast beef and pork schnitzel served family style. Tickets are available.
Online News …
Prince of Peace YouTube channel: That’s right! We now have a YouTube channel featuring our sermons. View if you miss a Sunday. Share with others around Burlington or around the world. View last week’s sermon here.
Last Sunday was Father’s Day. Dads, you are important! As a thought after the fact, check out this devotion from Lutheran Hour Ministries. Click here to read or listen.
Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s teachings include: Modern Feminism, The Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, The Prophet Jeremiah, 5th Century Archbishop Cyril of Alexandria, 2nd Century Bishop Irenaeus of Lyons and more. You can listen live or on-demand at www.issuesetc.org and on the LPR mobile app.
Fatal Flaws: Over the past three years, Hamilton, Ontario filmmaker Kevin Dunn has travelled throughout Europe and North America to ask one of the most fundamental philosophical questions of our time: Should we be giving doctors the right in law to end the life of others by euthanasia or assisted suicide? You can see the trailer here. But you can see the whole movie at a public screening of the film to take place Monday, June 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:30pm at SilverCity Hamilton Mountain, 795 Paramount Dr., Stoney Creek. Tickets are $12 +HST.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those recovering at home
- Those in Hospice care
- Those recovering from injuries
- Children as they celebrate the conclusion of another school year
- Our seniors as they face each day with courage and faith
- Those in Hospice careFinally, death is our enemy. It is not just a part of life, like some say, but it is the ultimate penalty for sin and an enemy of all. “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
