Service Folder Beware of False Prophets “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). Deceit has its strength in masquerading as the truth. “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:20). The “fruits” of a true prophet are faithfulness in proclaiming the Word of the Lord. This is the will of…
Service Folder Jesus provides for his people When we suffer from lack or bad things happen to us, we can fall into doubt and despair. When we have an abundance, we can be tempted to forget God and crave this world’s goods that cannot satisfy our deepest need.. Today, then, the evangelist turns our eyes to Jesus, who takes care of us…
Service Folder Our Only Hope Is in Christ’s Righteousness “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:20). 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,…
Service Folder Theme: Discipleship Following Jesus The Lord called fishermen to be fishers of men (Luke 5:1–11). The net they would use is the gospel in worldly darkness the disciples could catch nothing. But in the gospel net attached to the water [Baptism], the boats were filled with fish. So it is that in Baptism you have been drawn in to the…
Service Folder “Be merciful, even as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36–42). The old Adam in us wants to condemn. To condemn is to put yourself in the place of God. Jesus is our Joseph, who comforts us with words of pardon and reconciliation (Gen. 50:15–21). He is the One who does not condemn but condemned in our place, forgives and…
Service Folder (.doc) Service Folder (.pdf) Theme: Jesus Receives Sinners “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The Pharisees’ statement of judgment against Jesus is in fact a proclamation of Gospel truth. For our God is one who delights in mercy, who casts all our sins into the depths of the sea through the cross (Micah 7:18–20). Those who…
Service Folder Theme: Invitation The Holy Spirit invites us by the Gospel to the Banquet of Salvation. Many make excuses and reject this invitation, yet the Master’s house will be filled. The Gospel call therefore goes out to the lowly and despised, into the highways, The enmity of class and race is put to death through the cross. Having been reconciled by…