The prepared way
I know this is a bit out of order, but I wanted to bring your attention to a new offer at LCEF. The devotion is below, I promise.
Unlock a powerful investment opportunity that not only secures your financial future but also supports the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) mission.1 This limited-time offering is designed for LCMS individuals, congregations, and organizations seeking a solid investment return while making a meaningful impact. Business investments are also available.
Individuals, congregations, schools, businesses, and organizations can open an account online.
Seven simple reasons to invest today:
You have short-term financial goals. Whether you have $500 (minimum to open an account) or $50,000 to invest, this is an ideal way to preserve funds you’ve set aside for short-term goals like vacations, weddings, or renovations.
You want your investment to do more. This truly sets apart our investments from any other opportunity. Your investment with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) directly contributes to strengthening and sustaining LCMS churches, schools, organizations, and church workers.
You are an LCMS member. This offer is designed exclusively for LCMS congregations, schools, organizations, and individuals, whether commissioned, ordained, or lay.
You are comfortable with the duration. Secure a steady 6.25% APR (6.40% APY) return over the next 2 ½ years. It’s a solid choice for those looking to grow their investments.
You have new money. The LCMS is thriving, and the demand for LCEF loans is stronger than ever—thanks be to God! Your new investment enables us to support this demand (see below).
You like flexible options. You can even invest in this note as an IRA, making it accessible and versatile.
This offer will not last forever. We are looking to raise over $100 million in new money. Once we near that threshold, we will close this opportunity.
A new church year is upon us, and our Advent journey takes us through a time of preparation. A time when we are called to stay awake, to watch, to prepare for the coming of our Lord.
This second week of Advent brings us to John the Baptist. St. Mark brings us words from both Malachi and Isaiah:
“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”Mark 1:2–3 ESV
And in his typical fashion, St. Mark abruptly turns directly to the messenger. He turns directly to John. Luther explains John the Baptist’s purpose in the Smalcald Articles:
John the Baptist (preceding Christ) is called a preacher of repentance, but this is for the forgiveness of sins. That is, John was to accuse all and convict them of being sinners. This is so they can know what they are before God and acknowledge that they are lost. So they can be prepared for the Lord [Mark 1:3] to receive grace and to expect and accept from Him the forgiveness of sins. This is what Christ Himself says, “Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in [My] name to all nations” (Luke 24:47).
SA III III 5–6
This Advent journey for us is a little Lent. It is a little trip to remind ourselves that the prepared way is one in which we see our sins and turn from them. We turn from them because it is better to live in the forgiveness Christ has won and delivered to us than to live in those wretched things that drag us down the way of death. The prepared way is the way of life. The way of life that has you recognize your sin and delivers to you Jesus. And that Jesus, He is the one who heals you from those sins with His Holy wounds. Happy Advent, friends. The Holy Night is coming soon.
From President Buss
I don’t remember the weather, but I do remember the date: December 19, 1986. Place: The Chapel of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. And the chapel speaker was Dr. David Scaer. I do not remember what he said, but I do remember what happened right before chapel that day.
My girlfriend was down to Fort Wayne to visit from college at Concordia University Wisconsin. (The added advantage of her presence was that she would iron my shirts. LOL) The day had come and I was going to “pop the question.” I had received some advice from Steve, a fellow seminarian, as we lived in the same dorm. As you ask her hand in marriage, say to her, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:3)
Well, I asked if she would marry me, nervously mumbled the passage, and the rest is history. I’m not sure Marie remembers I quoted the passage either.
The fact that we sinners can glorify the Lord and exalt His name is pure grace and gift. Our togetherness as forgiven people in Christ is pure mercy and the work of the Gospel!
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.