Greetings in Christ,

Before that big sporty event thingy takes place this weekend, we get to gather together to receive God’s good gifts!

We often think about words merely being the vibration of air between one person’s lips and another’s ears. While that is true, God’s Word actually does something.

Jesus is God’s Word in the flesh. When He speaks, something happens. God spoke in the beginning and created the universe. God speaks now and rebukes you in your sins, but also pronounces you innocent on account of Jesus’ work on the cross for you.

Now, in light of God’s Word spoken to us, we live a new life of love that does something…not on account of our power, but on account of Jesus working through us.

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.

You can dig deeper into the parts of this weekend’s service with this segment from Issues, Etc.

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

Jesus Has Authority to Forgive Your Sins and Give You Life

Jesus was sent to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43). His preaching is an epiphany, or manifestation, of God because His Word reveals the authority of His cross and resurrection, by which He has atoned for the sins of the world. By the preaching of His Gospel in every place, He silences the unclean spirits and casts out demons, heals the diseases of body and soul, and restores life and health to His creation (Luke 4:40–41). For the sake of His divine love, He is “patient and kind” toward us; He “bears all things,” “endures all things” and delivers up His body to save us (1 Cor. 13:3–4, 7). So also for the sake of His love, He calls and sends His prophets, as ministers of His Word, “to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jer. 1:10).

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