Greetings in Christ,

Reformation day is technically October 31st, but it is generally observed on the Sunday before so that the following Sunday the church can observe All Saints’ Day (technically November 1st).

Check out the Midweek Meditation for more about Halloween (i.e. All Saints’ Day Eve).

This week we remember the freedom given to us by grace through Christ. We celebrate that the freedom of God’s grace which had been covered over for so long was brought back to light by the recovery of, and emphasis upon, God’s Word.

We are no longer slaves of sin, but sons of God. We certainly still struggle with sin, but it is no longer our master. Instead, the son has set us free and we are free to eternal life! We abide in Jesus, God’s Word, and find peace, freedom, and life.

As you prepare for the Divine Service this weekend, you can take a look at the Service Folder to find the readings, prayers, and other parts of the service that will help to guide your reflection and prayer.

Here’s the Lectionary Summary for the upcoming weekend that ties the themes of the weekend together:

The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace

“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19), and the true Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus, the incarnate Son, has justified us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:18–19), and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6), “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21), “that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by the hearing of that Gospel of Christ Jesus, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25), “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32). 

If you weren’t able to join us for service last week, you can catch up now.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Blessings on your day!

In Christ,
Pastor Demski

Published by pastordemski