If the Son sets you free
The date was April 5, 1998. A 7th-grade boy knelt down with his fellow classmates and made a confession that he would rather die than walk away from the faith. Then, his pastors prayed over him and gave him a verse.
Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31–32 NIV
A new shiny study Bible was given to the boy and he immediately set out to highlight his confirmation verse. That’s what you do with new Bibles, right?
Over the years, Reformation Sunday after Reformation Sunday, the same passage would be read, but each year the boy heard more and more words. A new hymnal and a new translation of Scripture brought a fondness to the word ‘abide’ in the ESV. And though the verse always remained near to the boy, a little later in the Gospel text he would hear:
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36 ESV
Year after year, in returning to the same passages, Jesus always has more for us. And for this boy, Jesus opened his eyes and ears to what this freedom He spoke of truly is. Freedom to abide. Freedom to walk after Jesus. Freedom to rejoice in His good gifts. Freedom because Christ set the boy free in his Baptism. Freedom because of the Word made Flesh. Freedom found only in obedience to Christ and His Word. Happy Reformation Day, friends.
5% 18-Month Fixed-Rate Term Note
We are excited to announce that as of August 1, LCEF is offering an 18-month fixed-rate term note at 5%! Investments like this make it possible for us to provide customized loans and support services to new and growing ministries as well as loans for Rostered Church Workers who dedicate their lives to sharing the Gospel. We have the unique opportunity as LCEF employees to join our investors in supporting the church and her work.
You can open an account with a minimum of $500 and invest as much as you like. At the end of the term, the funds remain yours to re-invest or redeem. Interest is compounded quarterly (March, June, September, and December). This offer is for new money only.
You can always contact our wonderful Customer Relations team at 800-843-5233 or apply online at lcef.org/invest to take advantage of this limited-time investment opportunity.1
Church Bulletin Insert or Information Sheet
You can use this flyer as a bulletin insert or an informational handout for your church resource center. You can download this flyer here.
NID Fall Ministry Update
From President Buss:
Thirty-five years! That was the milestone Marie and I celebrated this summer. June marked 35 years of marriage and we were, in fact, married in Northern Illinois. This summer we celebrated with a cruise … on Lake Geneva … Wisconsin, not Switzerland … with our children and a significant other.
It is important to look back on such occasions for we see the mercy and faithfulness of God for us sinners. What milestones have you celebrated lately in your congregation, community, family, or even your birthday?
Every journey has highs and lows. We look back and we look forward and because of God’s promises in Christ, the best is yet to come! And remember the rear-view mirror is smaller than the windshield!
Read the Fall Ministry Update here!
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 October 2023. Balance restrictions apply. Rates subject to change. Visit lcef.org for details.