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 6th Sunday after Trinity July 31-Aug. 6, 2011
August 7 The Feeding of the 4,000—Mark 8:1-9
1 Samuel 5:1–6:3, 10-16, Acts 18:1-11, 23-28
August 8 Sadducees Question Jesus on the Resurrection–Luke 20:27-44
1 Samuel 6:19—7:17, Acts 19:1-22
August 9 The Widow’s Two Mites—Luke 20:45–21:4
1 Samuel 8:1-22, Acts 21:15-36
August 10 The Signs of the End—Luke 21:5-19
1 Samuel 9:1-27, Acts 21:37—22:16
August 11 Destruction of Jerusalem—Luke 21:20-28
1 Samuel 10:1-27, Acts 22:17-29
August 12 The Parable of the Fig Tree—Luke 21:29-38
1 Samuel 12:1-25, Acts 22:30—23:11
August 13 Sunday’s readings
Jeremiah 23:16–29, Romans 8:12–17, Matthew 7:15–23
