Brothers and sisters, the Lord be with you. I encourage you to attend worship this Sunday to receive the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation that God gives out there.
Details for a weekly weekday Bible study are being worked out. It will likely be held at the church, but another venue will work if you have one in mind. For now, it looks like Tuesday or Thursday mornings are the most probable days. Please let Pastor know which day and time you would be most likely to attend. Let him know if there is a particular topic or book of the Bible you would like to study.
On Sunday September 28 we will be using the liturgy of Divine Service setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #904 Blessed Jesus at Your Word; #852 O God of Mercy, God of Light; #642 O Living Bread From Heaven; and #708 Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart.
Scripture texts assigned to be read are Psalm 146:1-10; Amos 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; and Luke 16:19-31.
God has provided so abundantly for us that He not only takes care of our daily needs, He gives us enough to share with others. One theme that connects this Sunday’s Scripture passages is God’s expectation of how we are to use those gifts. Money is a tool that can be used for good or for evil. The question implied is how will you use the wealth God has given you, whatever the size of that wealth might be? Money can become an obstacle or trap for us, leading us away from the comfort God has provided for us in Jesus. Money is a false and insatiable god. The striving for wealth can turn us from God to making us constantly discontented. A life of ease often misleads into ignoring the needs of the neighbors we are supposed to love.
Both the Old Testament and Gospel readings describe God’s threats against those who fill their lives with earthly pleasures while disregarding the needs and suffering of others. As disciples of Jesus, we are instructed to share with others the bounty God has provided to us.
Keep in mind, you are valuable to God. Jesus the Son was sent to redeem you and every person from our sin. Jesus’ life and blood were the payment exchanged to set each of us free from sins like greed and self-centeredness. The Holy Spirit was given you in baptism to transform your heart to a new outlook on life. Pray that God would lead you and other members of Christ’s Church to generously extend to all people the care, mercy, and kindness Jesus has demonstrated toward us.
COLLECT: O God, You are the strength of all who trust in You, and without Your aid we could do no good thing. Grant us the help of Your grace that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son 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 Scripture lessons or the Bible study. God bless you. Pastor Boster
