Sunday, March 11, 2012

Daily readings for March 11-17, 2012

Midweek March 14 – Pastor Michael Strong - Farmersville
Psalm 102  “But You, O Lord, Are Enthroned Forever”
Catechism: What sins should we confess?
Midweek  God’s gift of forgiveness

SUNDAYS DIVINE SERVICE—THE WOMAN AT THE WELL
Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well teaches us that He is the Savior of all people, especially those who are the most unworthy and the most outcast of society. Samaritans were half-breed Jews who did not believe in the worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. Even more than this, the Samaritan woman is portrayed as a notorious sinner who had had many adulterous relationships. When Jesus is shown to be the Savior of all people, it does not mean that He does not take sin seriously. Quite to the contrary, Jesus exposes this woman’s sin that she might be drawn to Him for forgiveness. The awesome reality of the Gospel is that, even though she is such a notorious sinner, the Lord really does love her and really does desire to save her from her sin by offering to her the water of life. Jesus’ ministry of Law and Gospel to this woman resulted in her conversion. She was brought to repentance and faith in Christ. Out of this repentant faith in Christ, she then began to speak boldly of Him to others who need His salvation. This is always the way it is for those who have been touched by Christ’s salvation.

Next Weeks Lessons: Laetare—The Fourth Sunday In Lent
Old Testament: Isaiah 49:8–13 [Restoration of Israel]
Epistle: Acts 2:41–47 (alternate) [The fellowship of believers]
Holy Gospel: John 6:1–15 [Feeding of the 5000]

The Lord provided bread from heaven for His people in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:221) Now He who is Himself the Living Bread from heaven miraculously provides bread for the 5000. (John 6:115) This takes place near the time of the Passover, after a great multitude followed Jesus across the Sea, when He went up on a mountain. Thus we see that Jesus is our new and greater Moses, who releases us from the bondage of Mount Sinai and makes us free children of the promise. (Galatians 4:2131) Five loaves become twelve baskets, that is, the five books of Moses find their goal and fulfillment in Christ, whose people continue steadfastly in the doctrine and fellowship of the twelve apostles, and in the breaking and receiving of the Bread of Life, which is the body of Christ together with His precious blood, and in the prayers. (Acts 2:4147) So it is that God’s people “shall neither hunger nor thirst.” (Isaiah 49:813) For He abundantly provides for them in both body and soul.

Collect: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we implore You that we, who do worthily deserve to be punished for our evil deeds, may mercifully be relieved by the comfort of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

CALENDAR
Saturday       March 10                 5:30 pm                            Divine Service
Sunday         March 11                 9:00 am       Bible Class / Sunday School
                                                   10:00 am                            Divine Service
Monday        March 12                                                              Army Duty
Tuesday        March 13                 4:00 pm                   Unity Finance Board
Wednesday   March 14                 5:00 pm                              Confirmation
                                          5:45 – 6:45 pm                        Lenten Luncheon
                                                     7:00 pm            Lenten Midweek Service
                                                     7:30 pm                                              AA
Thursday      March 15                 7:30 am                         Virden Chamber
Friday           March 16                                                  Pastor’s Family Day
Saturday       March 17                 5:30 pm                            Divine Service

Daily Lectionary March 11– 17, 2012
March     11              Leviticus 23:1-24:23, Mark 15:33-47, Psalms 32:1-11
March     12                Leviticus 25:1-26:13, Mark 16:1-20, Psalms 33:1-11
March     13                 Leviticus 26:14-27:34, Luke 1:1-25, Proverbs 7:1-5
March     14                    Numbers 1:1-2:9, Luke 1:26-38, Psalms 33:12-22
March     15                  Numbers 2:10-3:51, Luke 1:39-56, Psalms 34:1-10
March     16                  Numbers 4:1-5:10, Luke 1:57-80, Psalms 34:11-22
March     17                                                          Looking ahead to Lent 4
                                                 Isaiah 49:8–13, Acts 2:41–47, John 6:1–15

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