March 2021
a publication of Lakeside Lutheran High School Volume 10: Issue 7
LLHS FED eration CONnection
920-648-2321 • info@llhs.org • 231 Woodland Beach Rd. Lake Mills, WI 53551
“He breaks the pow’r of canceled sin; He sets the pris’ner free. His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood avails for me.” (CW 340 v. 4) As Christians, we confess our sins daily. We know that Jesus forgives us. Yet, we continue to wrestle with our sins. They plague us, even after we confess them and are absolved. Why can’t we just confess our sins, be forgiven, and never remember them again? Some mistakenly believe that the memories of past sins are God’s punishment. They think that though they are forgiven, they must pay for their sins in order to earn forgiveness. They repeatedly beat themselves up, trying to free themselves from the memories of past sins. In spite of their efforts, sin’s grip lingers. What should we do when sin’s guilt remains? The words of the above hymn point us to Christ alone where true freedom from sin is found. The stanza begins, “He [Christ] breaks the pow’r of canceled sin.” As Christians, we know and believe that Jesus forgives our sins by his perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection. Our sins are “canceled” just as the hymn says. Yet, forgiven sins may still at times try to exert “pow’r” over us. Even though they are only memories, thoughts of sin may arise in our minds. They try to convince us that they are in control. But, they have no power. We are forgiven through Christ and nothing can steal our forgiveness or take us from him. Lent continually reminds us not to gaze at ourselves, but to lean wholly on Christ. We don’t need to be haunted by the memories of past sins. Instead, by faith, we know and believe that what Christ did for us on the cross fully pays for our sins. This allows us to focus on him alone. Our sinful nature is then made subject to him. Through Christ alone, sin’s power is destroyed. Lord, during Lent, focus our hearts and minds continually on our Savior who truly “breaks the pow’r of canceled sin.” Amen.
Jim Grasby is principal of Lakeside Lutheran High. Reach him at 920.648.2321 or jgrasby@llhs.org
contact info 920-648-2321· office@llhs.org 231 Woodland Beach Rd. · Lake Mills, Wis. 53551
Appointments recommended but not required. To celebrate 100 days of in-person instruction on February 11 by God’s grace, Lakeside students, faculty, and staff were treated to 475 cookies prepackaged from BonTon Bakery in Jefferson. We truly are Better Together.