9th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: August 10, 2014
– THE SERMON: Acts 16:11-15
Theme: The Advancement of God’s Kingdom in the World
I. God Directs the Preaching of His Word
II. God Opens Hearts to Believe
III. God Opens Hearts to Respond
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
Bulletin: Read Bulletin
Sermon: Read Sermon
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: p. 5 (38:1-3)
HYMNS: 748; 361; 507:1-4; 644
THE GOSPEL LESSON: Mark 8:34-38
Discipleship is more than just saying one believes in Jesus. It is following Him, including the hardships that come with true discipleship. We take up our cross, not fearing the cost, for what is the worth of our soul? He sacrificed so much to redeem us from sin and death. What are we willing to sacrifice in exchange for our soul?
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Exodus 3:1-14
God called Moses to be His messenger both to the Children of Israel and to Pharaoh. Moses tried to excuse himself that he was not important enough or powerful enough or able to speak. The power and authority wasn’t within Moses, it was in the fact that he was to speak for God to Israel, and before Pharaoh. “I AM WHO I AM,” the eternal God would go with Moses, and Moses would declare that “I AM” had sent him to deliver God’s people. The great “I AM” continues to be our God today, and delivers us from every evil.