This week we celebrated our nation's independence and the birth of our nation's freedom. I hope that you had some time to relax and be with family and thank God for the men and women who have given their lives that we might breathe free. Last week in this article I spoke to you about a resource from Lutheran Hour Ministries entitled: “The Intersection of Church & State.”
To be sure in the United States the relationship between church and state is an energetic one. Voices and viewpoints line up across the spectrum. Some would argue there should be a "wall of separation" between the two. Others maintain co-existence is not only necessary and inevitable, but can lead to positive results. This Coming Sunday, July 7th, during Adult Bible Class (9:15am – Acker Hall – Earlier Time), we are going to take a look at “The Intersection of Church and State.” This DVD resource features former Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Gregory Seltz.
Throughout this study, tough questions are raised that help the Christian understand the demanding balance between Church and State. Politics and religion often separate people in sharp and defining ways, dividing a country along shifting lines. Yet, no matter one's perspective, for the Christian his or her citizenship is an opportunity to serve in both the affairs of earthly government and the mission of the Christian Church on earth, always remembering; however, that the latter is most important and our number one priority.
Join us and see how in real life, church and state do operate in similar spheres-both conflictingly and cooperatively. See how they interconnect in “The Intersection of Church & State.”
Blessings,
Pastor Bryan E. Drebes
Rev. Bryan Drebes is Pastor at Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha NebraskaPastor Drebes attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, beginning in 1997. He spent the summer of 1999 teaching English to Chinese middle school teachers in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. He served a four-month vicarage at St. John Lutheran Church, Plymouth, Wisconsin, followed by eight months at Bethany Lutheran Church, Overland Park, Kansas. Pastor Drebes was ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry at Zion Lutheran Church, Palmyra, Missouri on August 19, 2001, and installed as Associate Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, Overland Park, Kansas on September 9, 2001. He served Bethany for 14 years. Pastor Drebes accepted a Divine Call to be Senior Pastor at Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in November, 2015.