5th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: July 13, 2014
– THE SERMON: Acts 8:26-38
Theme: Philip’s Encounter with the Ethiopian Reveals How
the Spirit Works in this World.
I. He Works through Believers.
II. He Works through the Means of Grace.
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
Bulletin: Read Bulletin
Sermon: Read Sermon
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: p. 5 (248:1-3)
HYMNS: 234; 231; 20; 45:1,2
THE GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 5:7-12
We all pray the Lord to have mercy upon us, and as He is merciful toward us, so as children of God we shall be merciful to others. The Spirit of God purifies our hearts from sins of bitterness and avarice. It is the Spirit that gives us the ability to live in peace with our neighbor. And though our faith may cause others to abuse and persecute us, the Lord suffered far more us than we suffer for Him. Let us count ourselves blessed to suffer shame for His name’s sake.
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Genesis 18:20-33
This reading records one of the finest examples of prayer in its faith, and persistence, and in its intercessory nature. Abraham pleads for mercy for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Again and again Abraham approached the Lord in lowliness and yet with the confidence of faith that the Lord would hear his prayer. The Lord found Abraham’s prayers acceptable. May the Spirit of our God grant us such faith as we pray, not only for ourselves but also for others in their time of need.