Pentecost 17: Date: September 15, 2013
– THE SERMON: Luke 15:1-10
Theme: Jesus Receives Sinners
I. Jesus Criticized for Associating with Sinners
II. Jesus’ Search for the Lost Soul
III. The Lord’s Joy Over Each Sinner Who Repents
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
Bulletin: Read Bulletin
Sermon: Read Sermon
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: p. 15
HYMNS: 234; 342; 324:1-6; 324:7-8
THE EPISTLE LESSON: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners! Paul, who saw himself has a chief among sinners, also saw how he was then a glorious example of God’s forgiving grace. So we also believe unto everlasting life, and share the good news of God’s grace that may be seen in our salvation also. We join Paul in praising the only wise God, for the salvation He has given this sinful world in Christ Jesus.
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Exodus 32:7-14
The Children of Israel fell into grievous sin at Mount Sinai. This sin angered and offended the Lord, as does all sin. This sin demonstrated that Israel deserved to be punished with death, as our sin clearly reveals that we deserve nothing but punishment. Moses interceded for the people on the basis of the Lord’s precious gospel promises which were to be fulfilled in this people. The Lord, for His name’s sake had mercy on Israel, and turned His wrath away, and forgave them, as He has done also with us in Christ Jesus.