Greetings in Christ,

This weekend, Americans celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. We remember those who have given their lives in the line of duty. How appropriate, then, that on this Sunday in the church year we hear Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus on a weekend celebrating those who give their lives for others.

Our Gospel text this weekend includes John 3:16. Depending on the translation you read, you may or may not have red text for those famous words. While the truth is the same, there is debate whether the words were spoken by Jesus to Nicodemus or whether John is putting an epilogue in there to make sure the hearer totally understands what Jesus is saying. What a beautiful truth it is! God loves you so much that He sends His own Son so that you now are adopted into God’s family by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This weekend is also Trinity weekend. We specifically reflect on our 1 God who is 3 persons as revealed in Scripture and how that One God loves us so much to work salvation in us. The Father who creates us, the Son who redeems us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies (that is to say makes us holy…set apart) are the one God who brings us to Himself as He brings humanity into Himself through Christ.

These are profound and inexplicable statements, and yet they are the truth of our salvation. God loves you and continues to bring that forgiveness to you through His Son by the power of the Spirit. (If you want some great listening materials regarding the importance of the Trinity, take some time to listen to these sermons and lectures from Fighting for the Faith on Pirate Christian Radio.)

Blessings on your day and I look forward to seeing you this weekend!

In Christ,
Pastor Merritt

Take a few minutes to look through the Service Folder as you prepare for service this weekend.

You can dig deeper into the liturgy of the service with this segment from Issues, Etc.

Here’s the summary of the Lectionary readings for the weekend that help connect the dots of the readings.

The Glory of the Lord of Hosts Shines in Mercy, Forgiveness and Salvation

When Isaiah “saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up,” he cried out and confessed that he was “a man of unclean lips.” If even the holy angels cover their faces in the presence of “the King, the Lord of hosts,” how can sinful humans stand before Him (Is. 6:1–5)? Yet, the glory of the Lord is saving grace, and with “a burning coal” from the altar the angel touched Isaiah’s lips, removing his guilt (Is. 6:6–7). Likewise, from the altar of Christ’s cross, by the ministry of the Gospel, “the whole earth is full of his glory” (Is. 6:3). For He was crucified, died and was buried, “according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God,” and God “raised him up, loosing the pangs of death” (Acts 2:23–24). He “received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:33), and He raises up the fallen world by pouring out His life-giving Spirit upon sinners through His earthly Means of Grace. To give this saving gift, God sent His Son into the world, “that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16–17).

If you weren’t able to get to join together with the church in prayer and praise last weekend, you can catch up now.

Published by pastordemski