The Way of Following Jesus

Last week I started reading a book by Eugene Peterson entitled The Jesus Way. It is the third volume in a projected five volume series on Christians spirituality. Peterson, a pastor and retired university professesor offers a challenge for following Christ. From the very beginning he identifies our culture's obsession with methods, goals, and results, that may or may not reflect life in the kingdom. Also, in the opening chapter he points out that in our culture technology has become a god and we as Christians need to be aware of this.

What are the things that get in your way of following Jesus?

Peace,
Pr. Durk

Getting God's Word Into the Hands of the People in Germany

After Martin Luther started preaching and teaching in 1517 and 1518 against the buying of forgiveness for all eternity with the currency of the day, the Roman Catholic Church kicked Luther out of the church. As an excommunicated monk Luther's life was in danger.

Fortunately, a prince took Luther into hiding at the Wartburg Castle near the town of Eisenach. While in hiding Luther translated the Latin version of the New Testament into the everyday German language of the day. By doing so God's Word suddenly became available to all the people.

This explosion of people reading the Bible for themselves freed the Christians of the day from the sole interpretation of priests and scholars.

I realize today we may take it for granted that the Bible is available in over 400 translations. When is the last time you picked up God's holy Word to read it, reflect on it, and pray? There is no time like today to start.

May God bless your journey in Christ,
Pr. Durk Peterson

Fresh Back from Germany

My trip to the sites of Martin Luther's life and ministry in Germany proved to be fantastic and very inspirational. Just standing where he preached and taught in Wittenberg and where he and his family lived was incredible.

Germany is a very beautiful and interesting place to visit. The historic churches, castles, and homes were delightful to tour. Also, I found the people to be very friendly and approachable.

I will offer more thoughts and reflections in coming days. For now, it is time to recover from the jet lag.

Blessings,
Pr. Durk

Germany Luther Land Tour

This trip of a life-time and ministry for me starts this Wednesday, April 11 and runs through April 17th. I will be visiting some of the major cities of Martin Luther's life: Eisenach, Erfurt, Wittenberg, Coberg, and the Wartburg Castle. If possible I will post some reflections along the way of this trip.

Martin Luther was the 16th century German pastor and biblical scholar whose work initiated the Reformation. Luther discovered that the central teaching of scripture is that we are saved by our faith in Christ. This teaching challenged the Roman Catholic Church of his day and unleashed a wide-spread reform movement that resulted in the founding of the Lutheran Church in Germany and other Scandinavian countries and eventually become a world-wide movement.

More later.....

Peace,
Pr. Durk

What does it take to refresh your life?

My family and I just returned a couple of days ago from a week in Puerto Aventuros, Mexico. The time there on the beach with my family proved to be one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating vacations I've ever experienced. If you can believe it, I was fully unplugged- no cell phone, voicemail, Internet, or e-mail. After one day of withdrawal- twitching fingers and anxiety attacks- I settled into a new mood for vacation.

Our Lord promises to refresh every day of our lives in the love of Jesus Christ. Each day, the gospel reminds that God loves us and forgives us in Christ.

This Sunday we will gather to celebrate the most refreshing and rejuvenating act of God ever offered to all humanity and the world. God raised Jesus from the dead, giving us victory over sin and death forever.

My prayer is that God will always refresh you in your life of faith. Whether you are on a beach or in the thick of daily life, may our Lord offer you grace and love to refresh your soul.