Founded On Rock
Matthew 7: 24 ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine
and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on
rock. 25The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and
beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.
26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be
like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain fell, and the floods
came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great
was its fall!’
28 Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were
astounded at his teaching, 29for he taught them as one having authority, and not
as their scribes.

This Bible story was the final story in this year’s vacation Bible school, The
Great Bible Reef! As I think you know, the learning of children brings great
excitement to me and I treasure their presence. I always learn so much from
them. Their excitement and genuine faith fills me with great hope for the
Gospel.
I am also excited by news from this month’s Churchwide Assembly. In actions
held at this national “convention” of the ELCA, a new plan is set forth in regard
to the Bible. http://www.elca.org/bookoffaith/
These words are from our presiding Bishop Mark Hanson:
One of the assembly's most significant decisions was to call the entire
ELCA to a five-year initiative, "Book of Faith: Lutherans Read the Bible." As
a church body, we are committed to becoming fluent in the first language of
our faith -- the language of Scripture. We know the power of God's Word not
only to convict and free, but also to reform the church and transform the
world. Let us now build upon the strong foundation of engagement with
Scripture that undergirds this church.
As I think about our Christian Education here at HTLC I continue to wonder
about the future. As I started my fourth year with you on August 14 (the day of
my ordination anniversary), I paused to reflect on the places of growth in our
Christian Education. I finished Bible School excited about the future of Adult
Education because over thirty different people participated in the Adult Small
Group Bible Study at VBS!

On the other hand, my reflections also honestly turned to this truth. We have,
in many ways, decided that the Bible is not relevant as a place for community
learning and growth. I still wait to join in real Bible study with so many of our
members. Leaders and other faithful members of this congregation who, have
not studied the Bible with other church members or their pastor in the past
three years! God’s word is the place of life. When we turn away from it, I
believe we insult the very gifts of life. How can leaders lead and how do we all
survive without hearing the word in this vital way?

I look forward to a new future with you. We will build on a solid foundation of
our “first language of our faith.” God’s word will not fail. The transformation will
be powerful and in that we never will fear a “great fall.” Rather we will live
“founded on rock”.