A Refining Fire
A burning bush, a pillar by night, walking amongst the three in the furnace, or in the Upper Room, God has a way of using fire. The prophet Malachi describes Christ “like a refiner’s fire” (Malachi 3:2 ESV). God likes fire.
Our annual Lenten and Easter journey has come to a close. Sure, one might say that it ended last week, when we moved the Pascal candle back to the font and we celebrated Jesus’ Ascension. Yet, He promised us more as our Gospel text told us today:
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.”
John 16:7 ESV
So He did, and so He does.
The disciples found themselves back in the Upper Room, sitting there with fire and with God.
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1–4 ESV
What a glorious day in which Christ fulfilled His promises by sending the Helper, by sending the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit, given to you in your Baptism, fills you with God’s fire that drives you out into the world to love it with Truth. Writer Anne Husted Burleigh1 puts it this way:
Now again come, every year, the tongues of Pentecostal fire: the restoration, the reordering of language so that the recipients can understand the universal truth of God’s Word—that is, Jesus Christ. The tongues of fire sent down by the Holy Spirit reorient our words to match the Word of truth itself. When our language reflects the Word, the eyes of our mind refocus with new clarity. Our reason catches fire, and we become bold.
Pentecost means nothing less than the reordering of our minds to Truth, putting our confused Babel minds back into order.
Dear friend, you have touched and tasted the Refiner’s Fire. You have seen Jesus—in His wet Word, His heard Word, and His satiating Word. Let that Fire reorient your words to match Christ Himself, loving the world with the Incarnate Word. Happy Pentecost.
A Message from our CEO, the Rev. Bart Day
Greetings, friend in Christ.
I come to you today with a vital request.
As a faithful Lutheran, you know that so many people in our world need to hear of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, and you’ve seen how the Good News impacts your congregation and community.
This is why all of us want to see our churches thrive and have every opportunity to share the Gospel widely and generously.
Loans from Lutheran Church Extension Fund are made possible by investors; investors committed to sustaining and strengthening our church—investors who are pastors, teachers, laypeople, schools, and congregations.
For many LCMS ministries, a loan from LCEF is their only hope of realizing a dream, solving a critical problem, or completing another year of ministry. Investing with LCEF is a tangible way to love the church and its workers, as we grow ministries now.
The demand for loans is strong and is significantly higher than it was at this time last year—and that demand shows no signs of slowing down as we continue to receive new opportunities. To meet this need, we need substantial sums of new money, invested by congregations, like yours, to fund these new loans, expanding ministry today and tomorrow.
I certainly understand you have numerous investment avenues available, but none offer the unique opportunity to align your financial goals with your commitment to the church.
Consider this question:
What would it mean if you could preserve and prosper your congregation dollars while having the satisfaction of knowing that your money benefits the church?
Lutheran Church Extension Fund is the only investment option that can deliver on that promise. And practically speaking: our interest rates are up to six times higher than the national average.
You have a full range of products to choose from, like an all-access account that gives you ready access to your funds or several term notes with different durations and interest rates. I encourage you to explore your options at lcef.org/rates.2
Let me close with this.
Your congregation’s investment in LCEF is not just a financial decision; it’s a commitment to the growth and impact of LCMS ministries.
I pray you will consider putting your congregation’s dollars into an LCEF investment allowing us to fund even more loans in support of congregations, schools, and workers of the church.
Thank you in advance for joining in our mission. We appreciate you more than you know.
Introducing “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the August 2024 Lay Leadership Summit
What is the Lay Leadership Summit?
From rural to urban ministries, small to large congregations, and whether you are new to church leadership or a seasoned veteran, we are grateful for each of our lay leaders.
We know you need support and encouragement as you serve where the Lord has placed you. This is why the LCMS Northern Illinois District is hosting an inaugural Lay Leadership Summit on August 24, 2024 at Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park, IL.
With the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow,” the Lay Leadership Summit seeks to gather lay leaders from all parts of the District to worship our Lord, build one another up in our given roles, and provide practical training in order to better equip you to effectively fulfill your service to our Lord and His people.
Make plans to join NID President Allan Buss, keynote Lutheran Hour Speaker – Rev. Dr. Michael Ziegler, and fellow laity from around Northern Illinois District for the Lay Leadership Summit.
Watch our webpage – nidlcms.org/lay-leadership-summit – for updates.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a, 12 (ESV)
Magnificat: May 2024 - © 2024 MAGNIFICAT. All rights reserved.
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks.
Rates as of May 2024. Balance restrictions apply. Rates subject to change. Visit lcef.org for details.