I've had an Epiphany!

Acts 13:38-48  38  “So, gentlemen, brothers, let it be known to you that through this Jesus forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, also forgiveness from everything from which you could not be justified through the law of Moses.  39  In this Jesus, everyone who believes is justified.  40  So watch out that what is said in the prophets does not happen to you: 41  Look, you scoffers, be amazed and perish! For I am going to do something in your days, something you would never believe, even if someone were to explain it to you.” 42  As Paul and Barnabas were leaving, the people kept begging them to speak again on this same subject on the next Sabbath.  43  When the meeting of the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44  On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word...

Artwork: The preaching of Martin Luther Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder Worship Theme: On Reformation Sunday we give thanks to God for his rescue from hell, rescue that comes by his grace alone. We thank him for the faith he gives us to trust his promise. We thank God for his errorless word, the Bible, which gives and strengthens that faith. At the same time we understand that we can fall away from that grace by unbelief. We recognize that Satan, society and our sinful self will daily challenge our faith. Therefore let us never stray from God’s life-giving word. Old Testament: Daniel 3:16-28 16 Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “We have no need to answer you about this matter. 17 Since our God, whom we serve, does exist, he is able to save us from the blazing fiery furnace. So, he may save us from your hand, Your Majesty. 18 But if he does not, you should know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods, and we will not worship the golden...

Acts 17:1-9 When Paul and Silas had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.  2  As was his custom, Paul went to the Jews, and on three Sabbath days he led them in a discussion from the Scriptures,  3  explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. He also said, “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”  4  Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great number of God-fearing Greeks and more than a few of the prominent women. 5  But the Jews became jealous and gathered from the marketplace some wicked men, who formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house and searched for Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the mob.  6  When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men, who have stirred up trouble all...

Worship Theme: Acts 1:8 – Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ” This commission is reflected in the mission of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which “exists to make disciples throughout the world for time and for eternity.” Mission and Ministry Sunday is a time to refocus ourselves on the mission Jesus has given us. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, as quoted by St. Paul, our mission is to Bring Salvation to the Ends of the Earth . Old Testament: Isaiah 49:6   6  He says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” 1. How is verse 6 fulfilled? (Read Acts 13:38-48.) Epistle: Acts 13:38-48  38  “So, gentlemen, brothers, let it be known to you that through this Jesus forgiven...

Artwork: Jesus Meeting Mother of James and John Worship Theme: “I am the greatest,” shouted Muhammad Ali after one of his more famous boxing victories. “I am,” he later added, “the greatest heavy weight of all time.” How would you define greatness? Is it power? Wealth? Fame? In our readings for this Lord’s Day, the Greatest who ever lived, he who died for us all and rose again, shows us that true greatness comes through humble service. Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 26:16-23 16 But when he had grown powerful, the pride in his heart led to his destruction. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God. He entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Azariah the priest went in after him. He was followed by eighty priests of the Lord , brave men. 18 They confronted King Uzziah and said to him, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord . That is for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the...