13th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: September 7, 2014
– THE SERMON: Matthew 13:31-33
Theme: The Kingdom’s Growth in the World
I. Humble Beginnings – Like a Mustard Seed
II. Quiet Growth –Like Leaven in a Lump of Dough
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
Bulletin: Read Bulletin
Sermon: Read Sermon
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: p. 5 (23:1-3)
HYMNS: 44; 462; 465; 52
THE EPISTLE LESSON: Acts 19:23-40
The world feels threatened by the message of the gospel, and will very vocally oppose the authority of God’s Word. All this opposition may appear very impressive to the child of God, as the world rallies it forces against the Lord and against Christ. In the end the world’s outcry comes to nothing, and the gospel goes forth for the salvation of many in the world.
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
“The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This lesson presented to Samuel when he anointed one of Jesse’s son to be king over Israel is a lesson for us to remember also. It applies not only to our impressions about people, but all that the Lord does with His kingdom. The Lord directs matters according to His will that His kingdom may be advanced, and His people blessed. And so David was anointed to be king, and his descendent, Jesus, became our King.