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Who Are God’s Chosen People?
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Who Are God’s Chosen People?

    Who are God’s chosen people?

    “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” – Galatians 5:6

    Who are God’s chosen people?

    The Old Testament referred to Israel as God’s chosen people, but the Jews misunderstood who Israel was. Many thought it was about their lineage, but Romans 9:6-7 tells us something different.

    “But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring.” – Romans 9:6-7

    Jesus also said,

    “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” – John 10:16

    It was always about faith. It’s not about whether you can trace your lineage back to Abraham or Moses. It’s not about whether you are circumcised or not. 

    “For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That man’s praise is not from men but from God.” – Romans 2:28-29

    What does this mean?

    Anyone can receive faith. So, we don’t prejudge. We don’t say, “That person is x race or of this or that culture so they won’t believe.” We don’t see a person in tatters and shrug them off or a person covered in tattoos and assume they won’t believe. Anyone can receive faith. Anyone can be chosen. If you have faith, you are one of God’s chosen people.

    So, the answer is, you are the chosen people of God...as is everyone else who has faith in Jesus. All who believe have been called and chosen according to God’s gracious will.

    Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for choosing me and giving me faith. I am Yours and You are mine.

    Amen.

    In Christ’s Service,

    Pastor Kurt

    He Chose You
    Kurt Steinbrueck
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    He Chose You

      he chose you

      “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” – Ephesians 2:4-5

      When did you come to Jesus?

      Sorry, it’s a trick question. You didn’t come to Jesus. Jesus came to you.

      This is a tricky subject in Christianity. Many good Christian people talk about coming to faith or making a decision for Jesus. I understand. That’s what it feels like. However, the Bible describes something different.

      We are dead in our transgressions until God makes us alive in Christ. Dead people don’t do anything. I once heard a pastor describe salvation as us being in the ocean drowning and Jesus is the lifeguard. We just need to call out to Him. This pastor’s heart was in the right place. He was trying to get people to believe.

      Unfortunately, before Christ we aren’t drowning in our sin, we have drowned. It’s done. They are dead. We can’t call out. Like a great lifeguard, however, Jesus still goes out and saves us. He sees our spiritually dead corpse and gives us life. He gives us Faith. Then we call out, not in desperation as one drowning, but in thanksgiving as one saved!

      Why does this matter?

      Aside from being true to the Word, if I had to come to Jesus, I may start to wonder if I meant it or did enough. My salvation becomes, at least in part, my work. This isn’t just an assumption on my part. I have spoken with several people over the years who have expressed this very thought to me. It’s scary.

      Anything to do with me is unsure. If it’s God’s work, on the other hand, it’s sure. Thankfully, it is God’s work and, thus, we can be sure of our salvation. You don’t have to doubt your faith or salvation because God worked it in you. There is great peace and rest in this.

      Praise the Lord!

      Heavenly Father,

      You have given me faith and given me life. My salvation is 100% a gift from You out of Your great love and grace. Thank you. Help me to rest in Your work.

      Amen.

      In Christ’s Service,

      Pastor Kurt

      What Are You Afraid Of?
      Kurt Steinbrueck
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      What Are You Afraid Of?

        what are you afraid of?

        “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” – 1 John 4:18

        What are you afraid of?

        What keeps you up at night?

        Fear can terrorize us. It can prevent us from accomplishing things. It can destroy relationships. So, what is the antidote for fear?

        Love.

        Love drives out fear. I don’t fear my wife because I know she loves me. We know God loves us, too. This drives out fear. We don’t have to fear tomorrow because God loves us and said He will provide. We don’t have to fear death because Jesus’ love on the cross overcame it. We don’t have to fear the authorities of the world because they can’t separate us from Jesus.

        One of the saddest stories I hear from pastors are from when they were visiting church members on their deathbeds and the member asks,

        “Pastor, do you think I’ve done enough to get into Heaven?”

        That’s fear talking. To quote a popular Christian song, “Fear is a liar.” The great joy of those stories is the pastor being able to reassure that person of the love and grace of Jesus. They have nothing to fear. It’s not about what they’ve done. It’s about what Jesus did out of love for them. There is nothing to fear.

        What fears do you have? Give them to God.

        “[Cast] all your anxieties on [the Lord], because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5

        Heavenly Father,

        Your love is greater than this world and even my sin. Thank you for loving me. There are things I’m fearful of. Today, I bring them to You and ask for Your peace.

        (Name the things you are afraid of)

        Amen.

        In Christ’s Service,

        Pastor Kurt

        How to Follow God’s Commands in One Easy Step
        Kurt Steinbrueck
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        How to Follow God’s Commands in One Easy Step

          How to Follow God's Commands in One Easy Step

          For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. – Romans 13:9-10

          How many Commandments are there?

          Can you name them?

          Which Commandment is most important?

          We typically talk about ten Commandments, but the Jews in Jesus’ day had over 600. That’s a lot to keep track of. Thankfully, Jesus simplified it. Love your neighbor as yourself.

          It’s simple not only because it’s just one commandment to remember, but because it gives a means of following it. It would be impossible for the Bible to give commands for every situation. So, God gave us the means of judging for ourselves in most cases. Think to yourself,

          “How would I want to be treated in this situation? What would I consider loving towards me?”

          Then do that for others.

          So, go ahead. Love others as yourself. Fulfill all the commandments by fulfilling the one.

          Heavenly Father,

          Teach me to love that I might love my neighbor and obey Your commands.

          Amen.

          In Christ’s Service,

          Pastor Kurt

          Let’s Stop Destroying Each Other
          Kurt Steinbrueck
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          Let’s Stop Destroying Each Other

            let's stop destroying each other

            “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9

            What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done that you’ve never told anyone about?

            Would you prefer people know and keep bringing it up or do you wish it could just be completely forgotten? Would it change your reputation if people knew?

            We all sin. This proverb talks about how we handle other people’s sin. Do we broadcast it or protect that person’s reputation?

            How would you like others to treat you when you sin?

            One of the things that frightens me about today’s culture is how society will destroy a person over a sin (sometimes it’s not even a real sin). People have been fired, demonized, and destroyed over one poorly chosen statement or action. On a smaller scale, we do this to people when we gossip.

            Where is the grace? Where is the forgiveness?

            It’s something we all need. None of us would be able to stand under scrutiny. So, we are told to protect one another’s reputation. Forgive each other’s sins and not talk about them.

            Christ forgives us and then completely forgets the sin, completely removes it. Let’s do that for each other. Let’s treat each other as we would want to be treated…as we have been treated by God, Himself.

            Heavenly Father,

            I confess that I have sinned. I have done some terrible things, things I am ashamed of. Please forgive me. Thank you and I know You do not only promise to forgive, but to remove the guilt of my sin and forget it. Help me to forgive others and protect them.

            Amen.

            In Christ’s Service,

            Pastor Kurt

            Bring It On, World!
            Kurt Steinbrueck
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            Bring It On, World!

              Bring it on, world!

              “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

              “For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
              we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

              No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:35-39

              How does this passage make you feel?

              This is one of my favorite passages in the whole Bible. What a wonderful Gospel message!! In Christ, what do we have to fear? If God is for us, who can be against us?

              This passage tells us two things. First, there will be trouble in life. Hardship, famine, poverty, and violence are part of this fallen world and will come to us as well. Jesus said as much throughout His ministry as well. So, we shouldn’t be surprised by life’s difficulties.

              However, the second message is that all these things can’t separate us from Jesus. Jesus has overcome this world. He has overcome death. So, we are more than conquerors. Even death itself can’t separate us from Jesus. So, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

              What troubles are you facing? Pray over them and know…

              They can’t separate you from Jesus!

              Heavenly Father,

              You have not removed the struggles of life, but You will carry us through them and hold us fast in Your hand. As I go through life’s difficulties, remind me that You are with me. Remind me that the world doesn’t get the last say. Remind me that nothing of this world can separate me from You.

              Amen.

              In Christ’s Service,

              Pastor Kurt

              Why Lord?!
              Kurt Steinbrueck
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              Why Lord?!

                why lord?!

                “Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,

                ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
                nor the heart of man imagined,
                what God has prepared for those who love him’—

                these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:6-11

                Have you ever found yourself struggling to understand why something happened?

                Why did God do this or allow that?

                We all do it. In the end, though, we must remember that God isn’t us and He doesn’t think like us. His ways are not our ways. 

                “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
                neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
                For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
                so are my ways higher than your ways
                and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

                Often, we get in trouble when we try to explain God or, worse yet, defend Him. When we start speaking where God has stayed silent, we are on unstable ground. This isn’t always easy, especially for pastors. People have questions. We have questions. Yet, we cannot speak where God has not spoken.

                Yet, God has revealed Himself to us in His Word so we can understand some of what He has done and why, especially that He has saved us by the death and resurrection of His Son. God gave us His Word not to explain all the mysteries of life or even the mysteries of Himself, but so that we would be saved.

                “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” – John 20:30-31

                Worldly wisdom won’t get that, but by the power of His Spirit we can believe it. May we stay silent where God is silent. May we speak where God speaks. May we hear Him and believe.

                Amen!

                Heavenly Father,

                You have not told us all there is to know. Truthfully, we could not fathom all Your knowledge and wisdom. You have, however, revealed Your salvation to us. Open our hearts to receive faith. Help us to believe You in all that You have said and to trust You where You have not spoken.

                Amen.

                In Christ’s Service,

                Pastor Kurt

                Why Would I Love You?
                Kurt Steinbrueck
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                Why Would I Love You?

                  why would I love you?

                  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35

                  Why do you love your spouse or parents or siblings?

                  Jesus commanded us to love them, but He bases it not on what they have done for you or can do for you. That’s how the world works, but not how Jesus works. If we base our love on what others have done or can do for us, then we wouldn’t love people much and it wouldn’t truly be love from the heart.

                  Jesus bases your loving others on the love He has already shown you. He humbled Himself and died for you. He created, sustains, and cares for you. Jesus loves you, so you can love them…or anyone else.

                  That’s not always easy. Sometimes you don’t want to love them. Remember, however, from Tuesday’s devotion that God primarily describes love as actions and characteristics. Even when you don’t “feel” the love, you can show love by your actions.

                  How can you show love when you are angry at someone?

                  Dear Jesus,

                  Thank You for loving us even when we don’t deserve it. Thank You for giving us Your Spirit, a Spirit of love and for transforming us to be more like You. Help me to love others as You have loved me.

                  Amen.

                  In Christ’s Service,

                  Pastor Kurt

                  Jesus Loves You
                  Kurt Steinbrueck
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                  Jesus Loves You

                    jesus loves you

                    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17

                    Why did Jesus die for you?

                    Is it because you are so awesome at stuff? Is it because you are better than other people?

                    Nope.

                    It’s because He loves you. It’s that simple. John 3 16-17 is Jesus speaking. He’s explaining to Nicodemus who He was and why He came. He later, by His Spirit, inspired John to write this for us. Jesus wants you to know why He came. It was to save you and everyone else. He wanted you to know why He saved you. It is because He loves you. It’s a simple truth, but one that changes everything.

                    What do you need to do to be saved?

                    Do you need to do awesome stuff? Do you need to stop doing so many bad things?

                    Nope.

                    Just believe in Jesus. It’s that simple. Jesus saves you because He wants to…because He loves you. You can’t earn it. 

                    What you can do, however, is rest in His love. You can rest from striving to earn His love by your good deeds. He already loves you and loves you regardless. You can rest from wondering if your good enough. He loves you. You can rest is His words of love, grace, and truth.

                    “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:29-30

                    Dear Jesus,

                    Thank You for loving me. Thank You for giving me rest.

                    Amen.

                    In Christ’s Service,

                    Pastor Kurt

                    Praise the Lord!
                    Kurt Steinbrueck
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                    Praise the Lord!

                      praise the lord!!

                      Monday, I wrote about starting the day singing (or speaking) of the love and strength of the Lord. Go ahead and do that for a minute.

                      “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

                      This is a wonderful passage of praise. Paul is praising God for how God is working in the lives of the Thessalonians. God still works in people’s lives, today.

                      Praise God for the ways He is working in the lives of your family and friends! Praise Him for His work in our church. God grows our faith and increases our love!

                      Take a few minutes to praise God for how He is working in these people’s lives.

                      We must also keep in mind that Paul is writing this in a letter to those same Thessalonians. By doing so, he is not only praising God, but encouraging the Thessalonians.

                      We can also encourage one another as Paul does the Thessalonians. Sadly, we often see our sin more than the good in our lives. This can make us feel ineffective and even like a disappointment to God and those around us. Sometimes, we need others to show us what God has been doing in our lives so we see it. We need encouragement.

                      Think of someone you know whom you see growing in faith and love. Write them a note and send it to them to encourage them.

                      Heavenly Father,

                      Thank You for saving us. Thank You for giving us faith. Thank You for working in our lives to strengthen that faith and increase our love for others.

                      Amen.

                      In Christ’s Service,

                      Pastor Kurt

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