Victory Vitamin, August 21st

Romans 11:33,36

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!...To Him be the glory forever.”

Ignorance is bliss. Most of us are no longer in a position to enjoy that luxury. It’s good to be educated, informed and knowledgeable. So Is ignorance ever acceptable for people ‘our age’?

It’s not only acceptable, it’s inevitable. The Bible makes it clear that there are some things we cannot know. God knows our limitations and He reveals Himself to us in accordance with those limitations. Rather than reveal the intricacies of being God, the Creator, ruler and Savior of the universe, God reveals Himself as holy, just, loving, merciful and powerful.

If we take the time to read what He has revealed we will invariably come away scratching our heads, but there are no questions when it comes to God’s plan and His ability to carry it out to perfection. God is love. He has displayed it in the gift of a Savior and through His daily provision. God can be trusted. God reveals what we need to know and the rest He vows to take care of, perfectly, powerfully, in His own time.

In the verses above Paul admits that God’s decisions are unsearchable, but that God’s wisdom is deep. He then ends by saying, “To Him be the glory forever!” God’s ways are unsearchable yet He deserves all glory. In this case, ignorance is bliss.

Pastor Prigge

This week at Victory

Sunday, August 24th – 8 and 10:45 a.m. worship – “Ignorance Is Bliss” -Romans 11:33-36

9:30 a.m. Bible study – Christian Q and A: Predestination, what is it?

Consider this your official invitation.

The Church "Vicnic"

Victory Lutheran had its Church Picnic last Sunday, August 17th, and everyone had a swell time.

The festivities were to start at 12:15, but church let out a little early and people were hungry, and well... they found the food! Hogging all of the attention was a rather large and rather umm dead pig. But boy was he tasty.

I spent a fair deal of time looking for the spiral glazed cut... and the BLT cut, but to no avail. So I loaded up my plate with about a pound of the other white meat and slathered it with bbq sauce and sat under a tree with a bunch of other oinkers. It was a gorgeous day for a picnic.

Activities included volleyball, something with a racquet and a whole bunch of other sports I didn't recognize. People looked like they were having fun, and complained about being full and that's what really matters. Someone wanted to get a green Jell-O balloon toss going. Those crazy Lutherans. Thanks to Angie Lederle and the Board for all your hard work, and thanks to everybody for bringin all the nummies.

Until next time,

-Stacey

Victory Vitamin for August 12

Christianity: Inclusive or Exclusive?

Galatians 3:27-28 NIV
for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. {28} There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Christians are often accused of being closed minded. Not just in terms of our moral stance, but in terms of salvation. We confess that there’s one way of salvation; one way to heaven. Jesus Christ. We confess that because the Bible teaches that. John 14:6 NIV - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Others claim that there are many ways to ‘eternal life’. They say, ‘many paths, one God.’ Well, if there’s ‘one god’, that god might have something to say about that, don’t ya think? Does this ‘one god’ care what we call him/her? Has this ‘one god’ ever revealed anything to us, say in written form? If so, then which revelation is right? They can’t all be right? Is the Koran the Truth? Is the Bible the Truth? They can’t all be the truth because they contain very different teachings.

Galatians 3 reveals God’s will about salvation. Christianity isn’t exclusive. It’s for everyone. There is neither Jew, Greek, slave, free, male, female, all are saved by God’s free gift of grace in Christ. All who are baptized are clothed with Christ. All. That’s pretty inclusive.

The real issue is this, some people want salvation on their own terms without consulting the God who offers it. If we want things on our own terms, then WE don’t really want a God, do we. But I’m rambling…to be continued this Sunday. I hope to see you then!

In Christ, the Way.
Pastor Prigge

This Sunday at Victory (August 17th)
8 and 10:45 a.m. Worship – Christianity: Inclusive or Exclusive?
9:30 a.m. Bible Study – Christian Q and A
12:15 Hog roast – no charge – bring a side dish if you can. If not, come anyway!!
See you then!

W.O.W. Wednesday Outdoor Worship

The first of our August evening services was held last night, August 6th, here at Victory Lutheran Church, at 16200 Berger Drive. The evening started out with a yummy cook out cozied up by the fire. Worship was led by Lindsay Magnuson, who is a Senior at Northwestern College in Roseville, MN. Pastor Brendan Prigge shared his testimony, both Parts A and B! (you had to be there!) Thanks to everyone who attended and brought such yummy food. See you next week at 6:30!!

Vacation Bible School 2008

VBS this year at Victory was a huge success.

The kids had a great time, and so did the volunteers. Thanks to everyone who helped out with crafts, snacks, playtime outside, and music. It was a joy for me coming in to church every day and listening to all the sweet songs! Here are a few pictures I happen to catch of you guys during one of your many outdoor activity times!
-Stacey