Welcome to Christ Lutheran Church
Divine Service 10:30 am
We provide a traditional LCMS service using the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) every Sunday morning at 10:30am central time, preceded by Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00am. If you are uncomfortable or unable to attend in person due to Covid-19, or other reasons, please join us online via Facebook Live. (Facebook account required.)
Activities
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- November 17 service and other news
Greetings in the name of our eternal Great High Priest, Jesus. His sacrifice has reconciled you to God. He continues to intercede on your behalf. Come, join us Sunday morning to worship Him and receive His gifts of forgiveness and eternal life.
I remind you of some upcoming events. I encourage you to make plans to attend.
Thanksgiving Eve Service is scheduled for Wednesday November 27th beginning at 6:30 pm.
Advent Season begins Sunday December 1. In preparation for the Christmas celebration we have scheduled mid-week services for December 4th, 11th, and 18th, each beginning at 6:30 pm.
On Sunday, November 10 we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. We will also review the first three petitions of the Lord’s Prayer and Luther’s explanation of them.
Hymns chosen for the day are #530 No Temple Now, No Gift of Price; #337 The Night Will Soon Be Ending; #642 O Living Bread From Heaven; and #509 Christ is Surely Coming.
Scripture texts that will be read include Psalm 16:1-11; Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-25; and Mark 13:1-13.
The superscription preceding Psalm 16 says it is a ‘miktam’ of David. The meaning of the term ‘miktam’ is uncertain. One translator suggests it means “mystery” indicating the psalm deals with one of the mysteries of life. Another translator suggests it means a poem with a surprising end. Yet another translator suggests the term means that the psalm has something to do with atonement. All three of these meanings are evident to some degree in the psalm. My New American Standard Bible summarizes the psalm as “The Lord is the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death’. The psalmist refers to God as his preserver and refuge in times of trouble, who gives counsel and assurance. God will not abandon the psalmist at death. For these reasons, the psalmist is glad whatever his situation might be. Those who look to false gods will only find sorrow. David may have written the psalm during one of his flights, seeking cover and trying to evade the attacks of King Saul or some other enemy. He was thankful that God has his life in His hands. St. Peter in his Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:25) says the psalm is a prophetic reference to Jesus whom God the Father raised from the dead. In a sermon preached at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13, esp. verse 35) St. Paul makes a similar connection between the psalm and Jesus. We ought to thank God for the gifts He gives us here on earth. Even more, we ought to give God thanks for the eternal heavenly gifts He is preparing for us, made possible because of Jesus’s substitutionary, reconciling death for us and His victory over death.
Daniel was one of the members of royal families from Judah who were taken as prisoners to serve the Babylonian king around 605 BC. God used Daniel as a prophet to remind the people that God was still in control, no matter what circumstances they might be experiencing. Daniel receives and describes several mysterious, symbolic visions of a future day when God’s promised Messiah would recue them. When and how these visions are to be fulfilled remains a matter of great debate today. In the text we will read Sunday, Daniel sees Michael, one who is described as the great prince and angel/messenger who has protective charge of the Israelite people. There are arguments about who this mysterious Michael is. The name Michael means ‘who is like God’. He is often referred to as an archangel. He is described as a great warrior. In Jude he is described as contending with the devil over the body of Moses. In Revelation he fights against the dragon/devil. Michael does not protect or defeat using ordinary weapons, but with the word of God, the same weapon God has provided you to fight evil forces. In Jude 9, Michael battled Satan by saying, “The Lord rebuke you.” In Revelation 12:11 St. John hears a voice explaining that when Satan was thrown out of heaven, Michael and other angels “conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” It should be understood that the power Michael and other angels demonstrate is power that flows from Jesus’ power and authority which extends over all things in heaven and on earth.
God warns that Michael’s appearance will trigger a time of great trouble. When this will happen is not certain. It is foolish to try to predict because only God knows. But be sure of this: God also promises He will preserve His people. Those whose names are written in His book of life, whether living or buried in the dust at that time, will arise to everlasting life. Those who do not follow God will be sent away to everlasting contempt. God assures His people that nothing—including trouble and the end of earthly time—will end His care, protection, and deliverance for them. Since we do not know the day or the hour this will take place, we should continually turn to Jesus, our Savior.
As we continue to read through the Book of Hebrews, the writer continues to make the argument that Jesus is far superior to the Old Testament religious figures, including the high priest. Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice that completely fulfilled the demands of the Law, that one should die for sin. He died for all of us, the payment due for sin has been paid in full. By this blood sacrifice He has torn down the curtain that separated us sinners from holy God. So, you can now approach God with confidence, sure that He hears you. With that confidence, the writer of Hebrews encourages people to gather to worship and to encourage one another to love and good works. The writer would remind us and Christians of every generation that this worship and encouragement becomes more important as the day of Jesus return draws ever closer.
In the 11th and the 12th chapters of his gospel account, St. Mark describes Jesus’ activities and teaching in the temple during the week before His crucifixion. At the end of one day (probably Tuesday) Jesus and His disciples were leaving. The disciples stopped to admire the way the temple walls reflected the evening light. Jesus used the moment to warn them that a day was coming when the temple would be torn down. The disciples asked an obvious question, ‘when would this happen?’ Jesus doesn’t give a specific answer to their question but does describe a number of signs warning that the time is approaching. The list includes events that are common to every generation, an indication every generation should be prepared. In the near term, the temple was destroyed by the Romans during a five-month siege in 70 AD. But Jesus would warn us more trouble is coming. The one who endures to the end, believing in Jesus, will be saved.
COLLECT: Almighty and merciful God, by Your bountiful goodness release us from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, that we may stand firm trusting in Your grace until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
- November 10 service and other events
Brothers and sisters, I greet you in the name of Jesus, our Great High Priest who continues to intercede for you before God the Father.
I begin by listing some upcoming events. I encourage you to make plans to attend.
Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday November 28th beginning at 6:30 pm
Advent Season begins Sunday December 1. In preparation for the Christmas celebration we have scheduled mid-week services for December 4th, 11th, and 18th, each beginning at 6:30 pm.
On Sunday, November 10 we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #726 Evening and Morning; #730 What is the World to Me; and #734 All Depends on Our Possessing. We will sing two hymns during the common distribution, #548 Thanks to Thee, O Christ; and #597 Water, Blood and Spirit Crying.
Scripture texts that will be read include Psalm 146; 1 Kings 17:8-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; and Mark 12:38-44.
Psalm 146 is the first in a sequence of five “Hallelujah” psalms, each beginning with the English translation “Praise the Lord”. The psalmist speaks to himself, as a reminder not to trust in worldly powers for salvation, but to instead trust in the God who created the world and reigns over it forever. In His mercy He will use His power to set people free from the oppression of sin and its effects in the world. We lament over the evil going on around us and fret over election outcomes. The psalmist would remind us that though these things can seem quite important, they are only temporary. When feeling oppressed or alone, remember and sing praises to the true God who sent His Son, Jesus to rescue you. His word endures forever. He will bring justice for those who love Him. He can be counted on to provide for your needs and to rescue you from your troubles.
The Old Testament reading from 1 Kings 17 narrates events including God’s prophet, Elijah. The evil king of Israel, Ahab, had angered God by marrying Jezebel, a worshiper of the false god Baal, and erecting altars around the country as places to worship this false god. Baal worship included the sacrifice of children. God told Elijah that we would cause a great drought in the country as punishment for the king’s idolatrous actions. Elijah set up camp along a brook where God sent birds to bring him food. When the drought eventually caused the brook to dry up, God sent Elijah west to Phoenicia to be cared for by a widow and her son. Elijah instructed the woman to bring him some water and to make him some bread. It is important to note that the widow had very few resources. She was down to the last of her flour and oil, just enough for one more meal before they would likely starve. Elijah tells her not to fret. God would provide for them. So, the widow made a cake of bread as Elijah had asked. God performed a miracle. The widow’s flour jar did not go empty for the duration of the drought. The miraculous events demonstrate God’s care and provision though the widow was living in a pagan region of Phoenicia. Her actions are an example to all of us of faithful response to God’s direction. Faith in God’s promises led to her action. Whether you currently have much or little, God has promised good and great to you, especially eternal life and the blessings of heaven through His Son, Jesus.
In the epistle lesson, the writer of Hebrews 9 compares Jesus to the priests who previously interceded and conducted sacrifices on behalf of people living under the Old Testament covenant. Sacrifices were a critical factor in the old system; the animals’ deaths were substitutes for what the people owed God for their sinfulness. Something had to die as payment for sin. As a key example, once a year the high priest would enter into the inner, most Holy Place of the tabernacle (and the subsequent temple) and offer a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus is the far superior priest. He has brought an end to the sacrificial system. By sacrificing His perfect life for you, Jesus permanently fulfilled the old covenant and brought a new covenant of forgiveness received through faith. His death satisfied God’s demand for justice once and for all. Now He has entered again the most holy place, not a tent or a room, but heaven itself where He reigns over all things. He has authority over life and death. He will visibly return to earth one day to save those who eagerly await His appearing. Jesus is the cause of our eternal salvation. Faith receives that promise from God.
In the gospel reading from Mark 12, Jesus compares the attitudes of arrogant scribes (trained to know and apply the law of God) with the attitude of a humble widow. The scribes’ public actions draw attention to themselves. The widow’s offering to the temple is an act of sacrifice demonstrating faith in God, and an act of worship and thanksgiving in response to His care. The widow is an example to all of us of selfless reliance upon God. His Son, Jesus, shed His blood for you that you would have the riches of heaven. Whatever amount of possessions God has given you, don’t be like the scribes, showing off and relying on self. Instead, be like the widow, motivated by faith and thanksgiving be humble and sacrificially generous to the ministry of God.
COLLECT: Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Grant us so firmly to believe in Your Son Jesus that our faith would never be found wanting, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. God bless you, Pastor Boster
- November 3 Service
Brothers and sisters, loved by God and redeemed by the blood of Jesus, there are a few things happening this weekend that I want you to be aware of. Daylight Savings Time is ending. On Saturday night be sure to set you clocks back one hour. You could use that hour to get extra sleep, or you could come to church early and join the Bible study group meeting at 9.
During the 10:30 worship service we will be observing All Saints Day. Saints are often thought of as those who have done miracles or have led heroically virtuous lives demonstrating an exceptional closeness to God. However, saints or holy ones as described in the Bible are those set apart by God to be citizens in His kingdom. In his first epistle, Chapter 2, the apostle Peter reminds Christians oppressed by persecution, ‘you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.’ Peter goes on to write, ‘ Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God’. This description of saints is also evident in the Apostle Paul’s letters as he frequently uses the title ‘saints’ to refer to members of the congregations he is writing to. For example, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul is writing ‘to the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Holiness or sainthood is a not achieved by our works, but is a result of God’s transforming work in us. God ‘sanctifies’ us or purifies us to be holy in His eyes because Jesus has paid for our sin, and our souls have been washed and united with Jesus in the waters of baptism. There are saints on earth, members of the so-called ‘militant church’; and there are saints in heaven, members of the so-called ‘triumphant church’. But wherever Christian souls may reside, they belong to the same one Church with Jesus as our Lord and Savior. During the service Sunday we will read the names of a list of Christians who have departed this world of tribulation this past year and have gone ahead of us to heaven. There their souls await the day of Jesus’ visible return to earth, and the raising of the dead, when bodies and souls will be reunited in glory and immortality. These loved ones in heaven are examples to us of God’s mercy in granting and sustaining saving faith in sinners.
On Sunday, November 3 we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #675 Oh What Their Joy; #677 For All the Saints; #621 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence; and #671 Sing With All the Saints in Glory
Scripture passages we will be reading are Psalm 33:1, 16-22; Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.
In Psalm 33 the psalmist urges everyone to sing a new song of salvation. We should exalt God with praise for He created us and all things; He continues to promote mercy, justice, and righteousness. In the verses we will be reading, the psalmist reminds us to not trust in the world’s military or political powers; They cannot rescue from God’s judgment and wrath against sin. Instead, we sinners should turn to God to fear Him, and rely on His promise to deliver us. He is our protector even against His own judgments. As we trust in Him, we can be glad. Lord, Let Your steadfast love be upon us as we hope in you.
The first reading is not an Old Testament passage, but a portion of the Revelation that God gave to the Apostle John. John sees a host of people and other creatures gathered around the throne of Jesus in heaven. They are singing praises to Him because He has delivered them from tribulation, and conquered death for them. Christian believers from every nation and language are there. Washed by the blood of Jesus, they are purified and dressed in white robes. All the troubles of earthly life will be gone because sin and its consequences will be brought to their prophetic end. The revelation gives us an apocalyptic insight into the activities Christians will enjoy in heaven.
In the epistle reading from 1 John 3, the apostle reminds us that there is a lot we don’t know about heaven, and resurrection, and life after death. But God has revealed enough trough the Scriptures that we would believe in His Son, Jesus. In some way we will be like our resurrected and ascended Savior. For now, we see dimly and partially, our views still obscured by sin and weakness. But when Jesus appears, everything will be clear. Our questions will be answered. Our doubts will be removed. Be patient and faithful. Even now God calls you His child. In His love for you, Jesus was sent to rescue you from sin and eternal death. He is with you; His Holy Spirit guides you. Don’t ignore Him.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 5 is often referred to as the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that describe Christians even in times of tribulation. Those blessing describe benefits you will receive fully as a Christian on the Last Day. But take note—those benefits are yours in Jesus even now. God will repair and reverse the troubles the world causes you for trusting in Jesus. As a saint sanctified by God, you are blessed.
COLLECT: Almighty and Everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion—the mystical body of Your Son Jesus Christ. Grant us to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that together with them we may come to those unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons, or questions about your place in heaven. The Lord be with you. Pastor Boster
- Sunday October 27
Brothers and sisters, as members of the church, we need to continually evaluate its beliefs, teachings, and confession, to hold to the true gospel revealed in Scripture, and to reject heresy. If we don’t, we will end up with a false gospel and a false Jesus who cannot save, but leads us astray to eternal separation from God.
Sunday October 27 we will celebrate the anniversary of the church reformation brought about by Martin Luther. I’m not talking about Martin Luther King, one of the civil rights leaders in the US in the 1960s. Martin Luther was a former Roman Catholic professor and monk who lived in Germany in the early 1500s. He was concerned that many in the church were promoting teachings and practices that obscured the gospel of Jesus.
On October 31, 1517, the day before All Saints Day, Luther went to the church in Wittenberg Germany and nailed a notice on the door, challenging the Pope’s representatives to a debate about the definition and value of repentance and good works. Luther proposed 95 Theses to be discussed, listing errors in the church’s teaching and practice. Luther’s goal was to more clearly convey the message that salvation is a gift from God, paid for by the perfect life and sacrificial death of Jesus, a gift that is received by faith alone, without any works or merit from us. That is a truth still true today. So, like every Sunday, the gospel of Jesus is really what we will be celebrating on Reformation Sunday.
Identifying as ‘Lutheran’ is a shorthand way of saying we agree with Martin Luther’s reading of the scripture and his understanding of the gospel. Luther was a sinner like all of us. He didn’t want to get rid of the catholic church, or to separate from it; He wanted to correct it. We continue the effort of uniting people around Jesus, our only Savior from sin.
On Sunday October 27 we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the Lutheran Service Book. Hymns chosen for the day are #566 By Grace I’m Saved; #567 Not What These Hands Have Done; #622 Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared; and #656 A Mighty Fortress.
Scripture texts chosen for Reformation Sunday are Psalm 46:1-11; Revelation 14:6-7; Romans 3:19-28; and John 8:31-26.
The introduction to Psalm 46 says it is a maskil to the choirmaster from the sons of Korah, according to Alamoth. It is uncertain what Maskil and Alamoth mean. There are references elsewhere that suggests this means it was intended as a vocal artistic piece. Sons of Korah were descendants of a musician who was a descendant of Levi. After the exodus from Egypt, the tribe of Levi was assigned the task of conducting worship and the sacrifices. The word Selah is mentioned at the end of verses 3, 7, and 11, indicating truths to pause, ponder and meditate upon. In Psalm 46 God is described as a fortress, a place of strength and refuge. In times of trouble, we can rely on God to help us. As the world rages and seems to be coming apart, God remains a faithful aid to us. When trouble threatens, remember God is greater than any trouble. Be comforted by the assurance that the Almighty and gracious Lord who rules and directs the angels is with you.
The first lesson to be read is not an Old Testament reading, but rather a passage from Revelation 14. God gives the Apostle John a vision of an angel going about the earth proclaiming the gospel. Note that the word angel can also be translated as messenger. The angel is exemplified by Martin Luther and missionaries and pastors and others who speak the good news of Jesus. Jesus has ascended out of our sight. He will return one day to raise the dead and gather His people into eternal heaven. Judgment will take place. Unbelievers will be sent away to suffer for their sin apart from God. But those who trust in Jesus will gather around Him to sing His praises. You are encouraged to join us Sundays as we gather to participate in receiving from Him and to praise Him.
In Romans Chapters 1 and 2 and most of 3, St. Paul lays out the evidence that we are all sinners deserving to be separated from God. In the verses of the epistle lesson to be read Sunday, Paul concludes that obedience to God’s Law cannot make us righteous; instead, the Law points out sinful condition. But there is good news for you—Jesus’ death was a redemptive and atoning sacrifice that paid for your sin and reconciled you to God. God demands death as a payment for sin. Jesus was sent into the world to die in your place. In Jesus, God fulfills His justice and is also our justifier. He is the one who took the necessary action. So, you and I have nothing to boast about, nothing to offer Him as our contribution. Jesus paid all of our sin-debt. He grants us the benefits of His death and resurrection as we trust in Him. This is all part of the gospel message that Luther “rediscovered”, and faithful churches still proclaim today.
In the Gospel lesson Jesus declares that He sets us from the slavery of sin. If we abide in Jesus, remaining connected to Him, we will be His disciples, we will know His truth, and we will be set free from sin, eternal death, the devil, and our own sinful desires.
COLLECT: Almighty and Gracious God, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth. Protect and deliver us in times of temptation. Defend us against all enemies, and grant Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please contact me if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- Sunday October 20 worship
Brothers and sisters, I hope you have enjoyed the cooler weather. Most of you will agree it has been a refreshing change from the heat and humidity we have experienced the past couple of months. I’ll use this as an opportunity to encourage you to be in worship Sunday to receive the refreshing and life changing word God delivers through His Scriptures and the Lord’s Supper. You were united to Christ in baptism. Come and have your spirit fed.
Sunday, October 20 we will be following the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. As part of our ongoing catechetical study, we will also recite Luther’s explanation of the second Article of the Apostles Creed.
.Hymns chosen for the day are #915 Today Your Mercy Calls Us; #536 One Thing’s Needful; #619 Thy Body Given For Me O Savior; and #732 All Depends on Our Possessing.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 119:9-16; Ecclesiastes 5:10-20; Hebrews 4:1-13; Mark 10:23-31.
Psalm 119 is a long acrostic teaching psalm, with each section originally having verses beginning with a sequential letter from the Hebrew alphabet. Verses 9-16 originally began with the letter beth, generally equivalent to our letter ‘b’ (and also used as the word for ‘house’, or ‘family’, or ‘place’; for example, Bethlehem means the house of bread; Bethel means the house of God). Young students would have memorized the psalm, and through it been instructed on morality and right living. The verses remind us that God’s word is useful as a guide, keeping our way pure. So, trusting and honoring God, we remember His word, contemplate the meaning and application of His word, and tell His word to others. Let us join the psalmist in asking God to help us delight in God’s word, to fix our eyes on it, not forget it, or wander from it. God has given us the Words of eternal life. Study His word and He will teach you the way of salvation through His Son, Jesus.
Ecclesiastes was written by a man who self-identifies as qoheleth, meaning teacher or preacher. He also says in 1:12 that he is the king of Israel. Conservative Bible scholars follow the ancient view that the book was written by King Solomon, son of David. Scripture describes him as the wisest man ever to live. This book appears to have been written when he is an old man recalling what he has observed in life, intending to pass that experienced wisdom on to his sons (and to us) so that they would be benefited from it. In the verses we read Sunday, the Teacher reports that most of what we consider important in life—things like money and possessions– are instead vanity, that is, empty and hollow objects that don’t matter when measured by eternity. We have all experienced how issues over money and possessions cause us worry and conflict. How much time do we spend on things we cannot take with us when we die? Trust in God rather than possessions. He is an ever-present help in time of need. Jesus is the assurance that God will graciously do everything necessary to rescue you from life’s troubles. His promises and assurances comfort us so that we can enjoy a night of restful sleep without worry.
When God created the world, He did so in six days. On the seventh day He rested. It is given the name Sabbath. God then gave instruction that this seventh day Sabbath would be a day of rest for man and all creatures. Sabbath rest was also evident when God brought His people into the Promised Land. The writer of Hebrews points out that Jesus is the true fulfillment of Sabbath rest, that is, His death, resurrection, and ascension have reconciled us to God and opened heaven and eternal life to us. This part of the gospel message declared to us in God’s Word, the Bible. In the verses read Sunday, the writer of Hebrews urges people not to ignore God’s Word, but to receive the rest and comfort it gives. God’s Word is life-changing. Spoken and read, it truly has power to change lives. The perfect demands of God’s Law crush and kill arrogant and resistant hearts. The good news of Jesus brings life to a heart dead in sin. In baptism, God’s word is attached to water to transform our hearts, and we are born again. Through words of absolution forgiveness is granted. With words of forgiveness attached to bread and wine, God sustains and nurtures saving faith in us. Referring to Psalm 95, the writer urges each of us: ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.’
The Gospel from Mark 10 is a continuation of the narrative we read last Sunday. A rich man had asked about what he could do to inherit eternal life. He claimed he had kept all of God’s laws, but because of his questioning we can recognize that his attempts at obedience were not giving him much comfort. Jesus, seeing into the man’s heart, told the man to sell his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. This wasn’t an issue of being more generous. The problem was that the man was trusting in his wealth. Possessions were his real priority and comfort. Possessions had displaced God in His life. In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus comments that it is difficult for rich people to enter heaven. This confused the disciples. They wanted an explanation. Possessions are gifts from God. It might be concluded that a rich man must be very blessed. The rich were thought to be the most likely to enter heaven because of all the good things they could do. But Jesus corrects such temporal worldly thinking. Entry into heaven is not achieved by doing; heaven is not a matter of having wealth or not having wealth. Heaven is granted us when we trust in Jesus. We put ourselves in eternal danger when we rely on anyone or anything else. God sent Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice that would redeem us from sin, and make it possible for you to enter eternal life. Everyone who trusts Jesus and holds Him as a priority in their life will receive heaven’s reward. In the verses that follow, Jesus once again informs the disciples that He would soon be going to Jerusalem to die and after three days overcome death. This saving action in our behalf is why Jesus should be a priority in each person’s life. There is no one and no thing that is more important to your eternal outcome.
COLLECT: Lord Jesus Christ, Your grace always surrounds us, preceding and following us wherever we go. Help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. The Lord be with you. Pastor Boster