I say all this because there is much hand-wringing, weeping and gnashing of teeth as we are bombarded by news of the latest disaster or political debacle. Followers of Christ have faced persecution since the first century for proclaiming their faith.  History records dark and difficult times of disaster and persecution.  Many of Jesus contemporaries thought that the world would end with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The spread of the Ottoman Turks was thought to be a clear sign of the end of time.  The protestant reformer identified the Pope as the antichrist and an agent to usher in the end of times. In our era, it is popular to identify sitting political leaders as antichrists and agents used by the evil one to usher in the destruction of the world.

What I learn from Scripture is that the end of times will happen by the hand of God.  He is still in control of his creation and his creatures.  I would encourage you to attend worship in the coming months as we look at how God will protect and deliver his children from the coming judgement.  We are those who cling to the eternal word of God and have hope.  We do not despair because we are victorious in Christ.

During the month of October, we will celebrate the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation.  I would encourage you to learn about this world changing event in history.  Many Roman Catholics believed that the heretic Luther and his followers should be destroyed to protect God's church.  I have always thought that God could take care of his own Church, especially when we are faithful to his eternal word.  The Lutheran Reformation gives witness to this truth.

Mark your calendar for the October 21^st Reformation celebration.  This Saturday should be a fun day when we can celebrate that we are God's chosen and redeemed children by grace alone.  There are many reasons to study our history and learn from the past. It is important we know and study who we are as Lutherans.  As we face the end of times, Paul's warning to Timothy should remind us that all we do should be based on the eternal Word of God.  "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4) A church based on the foundation of the  Word of God is who we are as Lutherans.

Please with all the signs of the end times it is important that we are prepared for disasters.  The Lutheran Early Response Team training is one way we can prepare to respond to natural disasters.  There will initial training in Paola at First Lutheran Church on November 4^th.  The cost of this training will be $25.  If you are interested in attending let Pastor Keltner know.  The most important thing you should always remember is:  Those who remain faithful will be saved.  Challenging times are filled with opportunities for you to share the reason for the hope you have.  You are victorious in Christ.

Pastor Andy