July 29- August 4 Readings

SUNDAY’S DIVINE SERVICE—BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS

Prophets are those who "speak forth the Word of God." Therefore, a false prophet is one who claims to be speaking God's Word but is actually speaking false doctrine. Jesus says that we will recognize false prophets by their fruits. What are the fruits of false prophets? False doctrine is the chief fruit of false prophets. False doctrine leads people away from sole reliance upon Christ to reliance upon themselves. Learning the truths of the Small Catechism is one of the chief ways by which the sheep learn to recognize a false prophet. Hearing and learning the basic truths of the Catechism guards us against the seductive lies of those who would divert our faith from the only Savior from sin, our Lord Jesus Christ.

PAUL’S FAREWELL TO THE EPHESIAN CHURCH  In today’s second reading from the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul meets with the pastors of the congregations of Ephesus for what he believes might be the last time he sees them upon this earth. He had been the missionary and evangelist who had brought the Gospel to them. He had been their chief teacher of the faith and had sent others to them to help in the training of pastors so that their congregations would be well cared for. Now Paul bids them farewell. He speaks to them about the nature of the Church in this world. It will always be the church militant, struggling with sin, misbelief, and false doctrine from within and without. Enemies of the faith will attack them. In Paul's final word to the Ephesian pastors, he directs them to the only thing that will give them safety: "The Word of God's grace." What is the "Word of Grace"? It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul is encouraging them, never to grow tired of preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins is that which occurs again and again and again. Everyone needs this preaching of the "Word of grace" because it turns us away from self-reliance to reliance upon Christ Jesus and His death for our sins. The only safety for the church in the midst of attacks upon her faith is in this Gospel.

  

Lutherans for Life – www.lutheransforlife.org

Life Thought: God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). His ability to work in this way gives us hope in all our circumstances. A crisis pregnancy, a chronic disease, a loved one with Alzheimer’s—God works way beyond anything we could possibly imagine.

Life Quote: “There are many perspectives from which to view adoption. Perhaps we Christians will find needed strength and encouragement and hope when we view it through our adoption by God in Christ. Apart from Christ, all His children are adopted. He must know something about it!” Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, executive director of Lutherans For Life 

CALENDAR

Saturday             July 28            5:30 pm                              Divine Service

Sunday               July 29             9:00 am                                   Bible Class

                                               10:00 am                              Divine Service

Wednesday       August 1           7:30 pm                                              AA

Thursday          August 2             7:30 am                                         LWML

Saturday           August 4            5:30 pm                              Divine Service

Vacation Bible School

Join us for the Amazing Desert Journey, our Vacation Bible School being held on August 6-August 10. Ask God to bring children and adults to our program so they can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior! Registration is on the back table.

NEXT WEEKS LESSONS: THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

 “The master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly” (Luke 16:1–9). The steward’s shrewdness is praiseworthy for two reasons. First, he knew the master would be merciful. He trusted that the master would honor the debts he forgave in the master’s name. In the same way, though we have squandered our heavenly Father’s possessions in selfishness and sin, Jesus is the Steward who has canceled our debt, knowing that His forgiveness will be honored by the Father because of the holy cross. Secondly, the steward was shrewd in using oil and wheat to provide for his earthly welfare. So also do these earthly elements aid us when pressed into heavenly use in the anointing of baptism and the wheat of the Lord’s Supper. Those who have the Sacraments will have an eternal home when the earthly fails. These are our escape in temptation (1 Corinthians 10:6–13). For the Lord is our strength and a shield to all who trust in Him (2 Samuel 22:26–34).

Collect: Let Your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of Your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 22:26–34

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 10:6–13

Holy Gospel: Luke 16:1–9 (10–13)

Readings for the Week of 7th Sunday after Trinity

July 29                            Beware of False Prophets—Matthew 7:15-23

                                                      1 Samuel 14:47—15:9, Acts 24:1-23

July 30                     Paul’s First Missionary Journey–Acts 12:25–13:12

                                                   1 Samuel 15:10-35, Acts 24:24–25:12

July 31      Paul Preaches in the Synagogue of Antioch—Acts 13:13-42

                                                           1 Samuel 16:1-23, Acts 25:13-27

August 1       Paul and Barnabas Preach in Iconium—Acts 13:42—14:7

                                                             1 Samuel 17:1-19, Acts 26:1-23

August 2     Paul and Barnabas Mistaken for Greek Gods–Acts 14:8-28

                                                     1 Samuel 17:20-47, Acts 26:24–27:8

August 3                                     The Jerusalem Council—Acts 15:1-21

                                                      1 Samuel 17:48—18:9, Acts 27:9-26

August 4                                                                     Sunday’s readings

                    2 Samuel 22:26–34, 1 Corinthians 10:6–13, Luke 16:1–13

We Thank Reverend Aaron Dickerson of Unity Lutheran Christian School for leading worship this weekend.

Reading July 22-28

SUNDAY’S DIVINE SERVICE—THE FEEDING OF THE 4,000

In the Garden of Eden, our first parents received food freely from the gracious hand of God apart from any burdensome work (Genesis 2:7–17). But after the fall, food would be received only through toil and labor. The curse declared, “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground.” In other words, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:19–23). But into this wilderness world came Jesus the Messiah to restore creation. Having compassion on the weary multitudes, He renewed the bounty of Eden on the third day, freely granting an abundance of bread to the 4,000 (Mark 8:1–9). So also our Lord Jesus, having endured the burden of our sin, was raised on the third day to bring us back to Paradise. He now miraculously turns the bread of death into the Bread of Life in the Sacrament, giving you His very body and blood for your forgiveness. For “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

NEXT WEEKS LESSONS: THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15–23). Deceit has its strength in masquerading as the truth. False prophets speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:16–29) They deny the judgment of the Lord, speaking peace to the unrepentant, when in truth there is condemnation and wrath. “You will know them by their fruits.” The “fruits” of a true prophet are not outward righteousness or success but faithfulness in proclaiming the Word of the Lord. This is the will of the Father in heaven, that pastors take heed to the flock, the Father’s adopted ones (Romans 8:12–17), warning them against the wolves and their lies, and shepherding the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:27–38). For indeed, the cross is that good tree bearing good fruit, namely the body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Collect: Grant to us, Lord, we implore You, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are right, that we, who cannot do anything that is good without You, may be You be enabled to live according to Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord . Amen.

Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:16–29

Epistle: Romans 8:12–17

Holy Gospel: Matthew 7:15–23

Readings for the Week of 7th Sunday after Trinity

July 22                                      The Feeding of the 4,000—Mark 8:1-9

                                       1 Samuel 5:1–6:3, 10-16, Acts 18:1-11, 23-28

July 23  Sadducees Question Jesus on the Resurrection–Luke 20:27-44

                                                        1 Samuel 6:19—7:17, Acts 19:1-22

July 24                              The Widow’s Two Mites—Luke 20:45–21:4

                                                             1 Samuel 8:1-22, Acts 21:15-36

July 25                                          The Signs of the End—Luke 21:5-19

                                                      1 Samuel 9:1-27, Acts 21:37—22:16

July 26                                  Destruction of Jerusalem—Luke 21:20-28

                                                           1 Samuel 10:1-27, Acts 22:17-29

July 27                              The Parable of the Fig Tree—Luke 21:29-38

                                                    1 Samuel 12:1-25, Acts 22:30—23:11

July 28                                                                       Sunday’s readings

                                Jeremiah 23:16–29, Romans 8:12–17, Matthew 7:15–23

Vacation Bible School

Join us for the Amazing Desert Journey, our Vacation Bible School being held on August 6-August 10. Ask God to bring children and adults to our program so they can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior! Registration is on the back table.

readings for July 15-21

NEXT WEEKS LESSONS: The Seventh Sunday After Trinity

In the Garden of Eden, our first parents received food freely from the gracious hand of God apart from any burdensome work (Genesis 2:7–17). But after the fall, food would be received only through toil and labor. The curse declared, “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground.” In other words, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:19–23). But into this wilderness world came Jesus the Messiah to restore creation. Having compassion on the weary multitudes, He renewed the bounty of Eden on the third day, freely granting an abundance of bread to the 4000 (Mark 8:1–9). So also our Lord Jesus, having endured the burden of our sin, was raised on the third day to bring us back to Paradise. He now miraculously turns the bread of death into the Bread of Life in the Sacrament, giving you His very body and blood for your forgiveness. For “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Collect: O God, whose never-failing providence orders all things both in heaven and earth, we humbly implore You to put away from us all hurtful things and give to us those things that be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord . Amen.

Old Testament: Genesis 2:7–17

Epistle: Romans 6:19–23

Holy Gospel: Mark 8:1–9

Readings for the Week of 6th Sunday after Trinity  July 15-21, 2012

July 15                  The Righteousness that Exceeds—Matthew 5:17-26

                                                Judges 15:1—16:3; Galatians 3:23–4:11

July 16                                     The Rich Young Ruler—Luke 18:18-34

                                                          Judges 16:4-30; Galatians 4:12-31

July 17                           Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus—Luke 18:35-43

                                                          1 Samuel 1:1-20; Galatians 5:1-26

July 18                   Jesus Comes to Zacchaeus’s House—Luke 19:1-10

                                                  1 Samuel 1:21—2:17; Galatians 6:1-18

July 19                                 The Parable of the Minas—Luke 19:11-28

                                                           1 Samuel 2:18-36; Acts 15:22-41

July 20            The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers—Luke 20:1-19

                                                               1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 16:1-22

July 21                                                                       Sunday’s readings

                                      Genesis 2:7–17; Romans 6:19–23; Mark 8:1–9

readings for July 8-14, 2012

Please Pray For: Emily Rodenbeck, Phyllis McElroy, Ada Dambacher, Dan Worth, Dorothy Robison, Juanita Rankin, George Van Huss, Crystal Ray, Ruth Hedrick, Walt Hedrick, Erna Van Winkle, Mary Kay Schmidt, Kathy Schmidt, John Haynes, Katie Ketchum, Colin Starks, George Shepherd, Donna Smith, Bill Uchtman, and Bill Hoff.

Military: Please keep in your prayers all Military persons, especially Brittany Worth who is deployed to Afghanistan.

Hospitalizations: Please notify Pastor GeRue about any sickness or hospitalizations.

Happy Birthday This Week Rod Thompson, Zach Samson, Maggie Howarth

Happy Anniversary: Jim & Teresa Jorn

SUNDAY’S DIVINE SERVICE—I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN - By a great miracle, Jesus called four fisherman to be fishers of men in token that the Gospel must be preached to the four corners of the earth. Peter, on behalf of all ministers, rightly confessed "we have toiled...and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your Word" we will preach the Gospel. This miraculous sign gave Peter a deep sense of his own sinfulness. The minister of the Gospel has no strength apart from the Word he is called to preach. But this Word is all sufficient for the task at hand. "To obtain faith in Christ" the Lutheran reformers declared in the Augsburg Confession, "God instituted the preaching office to give the Gospel and Sacraments. Through these (the Gospel and Sacraments) the Holy Spirit works faith when and where He pleases in those who hear the Gospel." (Augsburg Confession, Art. V)

Themes from the Fifth Sunday after Trinity

The Lord called fishermen to be fishers of men (Luke 5:1–11). The net they would use is the message of the cross, which is foolishness and a stumbling block to the world (1 Corinthians 1:18–25). The power of God to save is not in spectacular signs like wind and fire and earthquakes (1 Kings 19:11–21), nor is it to be found in human intelligence and wisdom. The power of God to save comes in the still, small voice of the preaching of Christ crucified. In worldly darkness the disciples could catch nothing. But in the light of Christ whose Word was attached to the water, the boats were filled with fish. So it is that in Baptism you have been drawn in to the ship of the church. Though the nets are breaking and some who hear the Word do not believe, pastors continue to cast the net of the Gospel and the Sacraments, that you fish may abide in the boat of the Church and that you may be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:8–15).

This Sunday July 8, 2012 – Church Picnic/Potluck

Fun, Food, Swimming, and Fellowship. The Fun begins at 3:00 pm. We will begin eating around 5:00 pm. Please bring a dish to share and your chair! Meat and drinks will be provided.  David Ray farm, 12958 Lead Line Rd., Auburn – 438-4202

NEXT WEEKS LESSONS: THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

“Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:17–26). God demands nothing less than perfection and holiness from you in regard to His commandments (Ex 20:1–17). Your only hope, then, is not in your own goodness but in the goodness of Christ, who did not come to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them for you. In Christ your righteousness does indeed exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. For you have been baptized into Christ’s death and your sinful nature crucified. Therefore, he who has died has been freed from sin (Rom 6:1–11). You are now raised with Christ to walk in newness of life and to share in His resurrection on the Last Day. Christ has brought you through the baptismal sea “out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Therefore, “reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Collect: Lord of all power and might, the Author and Giver of all good things, graft into our hearts the love of Your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of Your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament: Exodus 20:1–17

Epistle: Romans 6:(1–2) 3–11

Holy Gospel: Matthew 5:(17–19) 20–26

Readings for the Week of Sixth Sunday after Trinity July 8-14, 2012

July 8                             Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem—Luke 19:41-48

                                                 1 Samuel 28:3-25; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20

July 9                 Paul’s Third Missionary Journey—Acts 18:23—19:10

                                                 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

July 10                           The Miracles Worked by Paul—Acts 19:11-20

                                                2 Samuel 1:1-27;  1 Corinthians 7:25-40

July 11                                          The Riot at Ephesus—Acts 19:21-41

                                                  2 Samuel 5:1-25;  1 Corinthians 8:1-13

July 12              Eutychus Falls from a Window at Troas—Acts 20:1-16

                                                  2 Samuel 6:1-19;  1 Corinthians 9:1-23

July 13              Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders—Acts 20:17-38

                                           2 Samuel 7:1-17; 1 Corinthians 9:24–10:22

July 14                                                                       Sunday’s readings

                             Exodus 20:1–17; Romans 6:1–11; Matthew 5:17–26