Gospel Highlight

Luke 23:39-43 – One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

Just who was this blessed criminal who turned from his transgressions to the Savior, from death to eternal life? History and the Bible are silent, but tradition has given him a name: Dysmas. Christian chapels inside prison walls have sometimes been named in his honor: “The Church of St. Dysmas.” That’s not irony. It’s reassurance for those who are incarcerated. In the hour of his horrific execution, Dysmas, a great sinner, became a saint, that is, he became a child of God whose sins have been forgiven.

On the cross, Dysmas was in the presence of the Holy Christ. It is possible that Dysmas had been among the many publicans and sinners who had come to hear Jesus. The seed of God’s Word can lay dormant in a man’s heart for a long time and then sprout unexpectedly, growing quickly. Dysmas must at least have heard about the “prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee” (Matthew 21:11b). For three years there had been a great deal of talk about Him. And, no doubt, this day Dysmas was watching Christ with extreme interest ever since their death march began along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary.

As Dysmas gazed at Christ from his cross, the picture changed as a scene on a screen fades from one image into another. The innocent Christ became the diehard sinner’s Comforter, his life-giving Savior. Dysmas knew that Jesus would be able to help him. For Dysmas there was no time to atone for his sin, so he cast himself completely at the mercy of the Savior.

And Jesus’ reply to this last-minute plea? “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Human justice was saying, “Punish the criminal severely.” God was saying, “Forgive the man completely.” Most of us would consign such a man to hell or certainly to jail; instead, Christ took him to heaven. Many would say he would first have to be purged before God would accept him. But Christ’s forgiveness is complete. His mercy sweeps aside all thought of atoning for one’s sin. Therefore, rather than condemnation, the Savior welcomed this man into heaven.

This is the same love and mercy God has for you and me! No matter what our sin, God’s forgiveness is greater. On the cross, Jesus atoned for the sins of the world. With His triumphant resurrection from the dead, God declares the believer forgiven, so that like Dysmas, you and I can live forever in the presence of God.

From “The Savior Takes a Sinner Home,” a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Armin Oldsen.

JESUS CONNECTIONS
Love & Forgiveness

Even when people were unkind to Him, Jesus chose to forgive and to love. He never gave up on showing kindness, even in the hardest moments. We can follow His example by forgiving others and remembering that God’s love is always stronger than anything bad that happens.

Jesus shows us what real love and forgiveness look like.

Fellowship for Sunday, November 23
 Coffee Cake-Off!

We eat a lot of cake. What makes coffee cake different than regular cake is not what's on the inside, but what's on the outside. Or rather, what's on top. The streusel can be on top and also be layered through the center of the cake. It may have glaze or mix-ins; chopped nuts, fruit, or chunks of chocolate, caramel, and other flavorings. YUM!

 Every coffee-cake can be as unique as the person making it.

Prayer Requests

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…   

Aaron Byers – Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Helen Cantrell – Pray for comfort as she continues treatment due to health issues.

Eddie Henson – Prayers of thanks for a successful surgery.

Mathew Eisinger – Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland on Sept. 16th, for 9 months. May the Lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Caroline Johnston – Continue prayers for recovery at home.

Stanton family – For peace, strength, and comfort as they mourn the loss of Bruce, who passed away Wednesday unexpectedly.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.

Calling All Singers!

We’ll have a brief choir meeting right after church this Sunday to see who’s interested in singing, hand out music, and coordinate practice times. If you’ve been thinking about joining—or just want to learn more—please stop by! 

All voices are welcome.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship!  Join us this Friday, November 21st 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.

This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!

Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember! 

Have you seen Jesus?

During the season of Advent, a small Jesus figure will be placed somewhere in the sanctuary. If you locate Jesus, please bring Him to Pastor Jake and receive your reward. 

The Jesus search begins, November 30th!

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