Pentecost 4: Date: June 16, 2013
– THE SERMON: Galatians 2:11-21
Theme: Remain Steadfast in the Truth of God’s Grace
I. Guarding One’s Faith from Popular Opinion
II. Standing Firm in God’s Forgiving Grace
III. Carrying God’s Grace into Daily Life
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
Bulletin: Read Bulletin
Sermon: Read Sermon
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: p. 15
HYMNS: 234; 380; 388; 309
THE GOSPEL LESSON: Luke 7:36-50
A sinful woman anointed Jesus’ feet with tears of sorrow because of her sin. While others in that elite and privileged company found this offensive to their sensitivities, Jesus declared that her faith and love for her Savior were directly related to the reality of forgiveness she found in Jesus. So also as we turn to the Lord in faith we also are assured, “Your sins are forgiven.” “Your faith has saved you. Go in Peace.”
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON:2 Sam. 11:26-12:10,13-15
So often and so easily one sin leads to another. Covering a sin did not remove it, but rather caused wider offense. The prophet Nathan was sent by God to confront David with his sin, and lead David to realize how offensive the abuse of his power was in this sin. Confronted with the reality of his sin, David confessed, “I have sinned against the Lord. Nathan absolved David, assuring him, “The Lord also has put away your sin, you shall not die.” However, because of the offense, giving others opportunity to blaspheme, David’s life was complicated and greatly saddened because of his sin.