Author Archives: stjohn

First Sunday after Christmas Day

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading
  • Isaiah 61:10-62:3
• Psalm
  • Psalm 148
• Second reading
  • Galatians 4:4-7
• Gospel
  • Luke 2:22-40

First reading from Isaiah
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Gospel reading from Luke:
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”),and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.

Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed–and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Sermon
Why did Luke put this week’s gospel reading into his book? Pastor Stevensen points out that this is history – an event in the life of Jesus. Besides being factual, a bible passage can also explain the purpose of an event. But what is Luke’s reason for telling it? The answer may be in the presence of two witnesses – Simeon and Anna. They say who Jesus is. They are credible witnesses. It had been revealed to righteous and devout Simeon by the Holy Spirit that before he died he would see the Christ. He took Jesus in his arms and praised God saying that He may dismiss his servant Simeon in peace for he had seen His salvation. The 84-year-old widow Anna who worshiped night and day at the temple spoke about Jesus to all looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. In our reading from Isaiah 61, the author in verse 10 says he has been clothed with garments of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness. Who is talking? Is it Jesus Christ who would bring salvation? They must all be songs of God singing of the coming of Christ.

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Fourth Sunday in Advent

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading
  • 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
• Psalm
  • Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
• Second reading
  • Romans 16:25-27
• Gospel
  • Luke 1:26-38

Gospel reading from Luke
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.

And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Pastor’s sermon
A dominant theme of this week’s gospel reading is the entry of God into the world as a character, Pastor Stevensen tells us, God as an intermediary in the birth of the Son. An angel appears saying “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you.” Mary was much perplexed. The angel comforts her, saying “Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God, and then announces “You will receive in your womb and bear a son.” Our situation is much like Mary’s. His gifts to us too have been “out of the blue.” Mary did not have to do anything. The receiving of a son was not conditional. She was chosen. We can draw a parallel. We are chosen. That’s it, an announcement. We only have to accept, but do we accept enough? It is an unconditional offer. God alone is capable of opening our minds. His miracle breaks through and It is new everyday, By faith alone, we receive God’s gift of His Son. God alone is capable of opening our minds. His miracle breaks through. It is new everyday, By faith alone, we receive God’s gift of His Son.

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Third Sunday in Advent

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading
  • Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
• Psalm
  • Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55
• Second reading
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
• Gospel
  • John 1:6-8, 19-28

Last week’s gospel reading from Mark
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

This week’s gospel reading from John
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”

And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,'” as the prophet Isaiah said.

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.”

This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Sermon
For last Sunday, the second Sunday in Advent, and this Sunday, the third, the gospel readings are from Mark and from John, respectivly, but both involve John the Baptistl. They are similar but different. This Sunday Pastor Stevensen in his sermon spoke on the two together. He reminds us that both are important. John begins with the light, by which he means Jesus Christ. Mark’s reading is the beginning of the Good News. In both Jesus Christ is the central subject. Both are about belief in a Son of God. Mark opens with the Good News. The Greek words from which the words “news” or “gospel” are interpreted mean message. God’s message is spread around the world and the News is Jesus Christ. The message began 500 years before the appearance of John the Baptist. The Good News is that the Son of God came, went to Jerusalem, died and rose from the dead, in victory over sin and death. This is God’s Good News.

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*Note: The Macklin Bible is an enormous physical specimen of book art, comprising seven volumes two feet in height and over 130 pounds in weight. It represents the apogee of the art of British copper-plate engraving, involving both painters and engravers. These renowned artists often selected scripture texts that featured women, who were the nurturers of religious education for the family in late 18th century England.

Second Sunday of Advent

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading
  • Isaiah 40:1-11
• Psalm
  • Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
• Second reading
  • 2 Peter 3:8-15a
• Gospel
  • Mark 1:1-8

Gospel reading from Mark
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'”

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

First Sunday of Advent

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading
  • Isaiah 64:1-9
• Psalm
  • Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
• Second reading
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
• Gospel
  • Mark 13:24-37

First reading from Isaiah
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence–as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil– to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence!

When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.

From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.

You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.

We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people.

Gospel reading from Mark
O Lord God of Hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure. You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves. Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself. Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Gospel reading from Mark
“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.

Therefore, keep awake–for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Sermon
Pastor Stevensen in his sermon this week considers the Gospel reading as an historic document which has little to do with Christmas. It calls for repentance, but repentance from what and why was it selected for an Advent reading? For a better interpretation we can refer to the First Reading from Isaiah, the book that is an account of the Exodus from Egypt and the formation of a nation and its destruction. God had made a covenant with his people. Was he angry and hid from them as Isaiah wrote. Did they go astray? Isaiah is pleading for God to come back, they need him. Our gospel reading is about the return of the Son of Man. Advent is about recognizing the gift of the Christ child. The meaning of the name of the Christmas carol Emanuel is God is with us. The birth of Jesus answers our prayers. God answers our prayers.

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Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading and Psalm
  • Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
  • Psalm 100
• Alternate First reading and Psalm
  • Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
  • Psalm 95:1-7a
• Second reading
  • Ephesians 1:15-23
• Gospel
  • Matthew 25:31-46

Gospel reading from Matthew
Jesus said “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’

And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’

Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’

And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

READINGS FOR THIS WEEK

• First reading and Psalm
  • Judges 4:1-7
  • Psalm 123
• Alternate First reading and Psalm
  • Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
  • Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12
• Second reading
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
• Gospel
  • Matthew 25:14-30

Gospel reading from Matthew
Jesus said “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them;to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’

But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents.

For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”

Sermon
Pastor Stevensen in his sermon this week admits that the parable in the gospel reading is harsh. There are two penitential seasons per year in our church calendar and we are entering one of them. He once taught a class on Jesus’ parables, and this parable was challenging. The purpose of the ending verses is not about greed. For a meaning the parable can be turned around. The slave was harsh toward his master, who can be a stand-in for God. He is indolent, lazy and fearful. But to be “tossed out” is a severe punishment. His trouble is in a lack of trust. The parable is saying we must get on with the work. It is about not all work being glamorous and about trust in Him. It is like a glamorous video Pastor once received from a “5-talent” congregation looking for a pastor. Should Pastor dig a hole? Feel sorry for himself? Martin Luther persuaded trust in God and go to work. The slave even accused his master of being a thief. Saying that to your boss could be disastrous and to God even worse. The parable really says keep on being a witness. Criticism is an unwillingness to trust and serve Him.

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Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost

Readings for the Coming Week

• First reading and Psalm
  • Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
  • Psalm 78:1-7
• Alternate First reading and Psalm
  • Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16 or Amos 5:18-24
  • Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20 or Psalm 70
• Second reading
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18adig from
• Gospel
  • Matthew 25:1-13

Psalm 70
78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,

78:3 things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.

78:4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

78:5 He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children;

78:6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children,

78:7 so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.

Gospel reading from Matthew
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept.

But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’

And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’

Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Sermon
We are undergoing at this time a wave of stress. In his sermon Pastor Stevensen expressed concern. Thr psalm this week may be of more help than the gospel reading. There are 150 psalms, Psalm 70 is a way for people to express themselves. Pastor told the story about a bearded Concordia professor riding his bike daily through a park chanting the psalms from memory. Psalm 70 has an emergency about it. For interpreting the gospel reading the psalm helps. In our gospel reading the bridegroom is Jesus. Five bridesmaids filled their lamps with oil. Five did not. The oil is a symbol. We are asked to be open to the deeds of God. The wise bridesmaids became open. The others did not think that the Christ would come. Be open to what God has done.

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All Saints Day

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading and Psalm
  • Revelation 7:9-17
  • Psalm 34:1-10, 22
• Second reading
  • 1 John 3:1-3
• Gospel
  • Matthew 5:1-12

Gospel reading from Matthew
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Sermon
Today Pastor spoke on the second beatitude.” Lutherans preserve tradition. All Saints Day is ancient. On this day we remember those lost. People struggle with the loss of friends and family often much longer than an expected 18 months. But we can put that into perspective. Pastor related that his high school friends 16-20 years old were not always good to each other. Two cousins’ sons were two years apart in age . The younger one was more athletic than the other. He went to prestigious Cal Tech. This sometimes infuriated the other. They were just young men. All achieved in their own way. Pastor won and had peace, Many have like situations. Here this church festival, All Saints Day, is set aside to work on these issues and put them in perspective. Jesus was reading the bible of the day when he taught his disciples the Beatitude “Blessed is he who mourns, for he shall be comforted.” Through the words of Jesus we learn to cope.

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Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK

• First reading and Psalm
  • Deuteronomy 34:1-12
  • Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
• Alternate First reading and Psalm
  • Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18
  • Psalm 1
• Second reading
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
• Gospel
  • Matthew 22:34-46

Gospel reading from Matthew
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked Jesus a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment.

And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question:”What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.”

He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”‘? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?”

No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Sermon

This Sunday, being Reformation Sunday, Pastor Stevensen’s message was based on the following scriptures:

• First lesson: Jer 31:31-34
• Second lesson Rom 3:19-28
• Holy Gospel: John 8: 31-36

Pastor reminded us that God had made a covenant with the Israelites, a two-sided covenant which in time they broke. As written in Jeremiah 31, God made another covenant, a one-sided one, in which His people were chosen to be united with Him. God makes the same covenant with us in forgiveness of our sins. The Catholic group with whom we share our building, are critical of our beliefs. They are living out a two-sided covenant. Christians became divided as to what God does for us, What happened? Constantinople fell to the Muslims. Christians fled the city, one of whom was Martin Luther. We are dependent upon God. Pastor often gets calls for help. This is adverse to the one-sided covenant. At GM where he worked higher-level employees were given cars they were expected to drive, and if driven enough miles, were given the cars. One manager became irate when he missed given a car by only 8 miles, and he asked why was he not reminded. Pastor urges his students to keep up with the lessons. But people do not keep up. In the spiritual realm it is different. We learn what Paul learned. God expects only our love. He is looking out for us.

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