22nd Sunday Pentecost: Date: October 25, 2015
Mission Festival
– THE SERMON: Exodus 17:8-16
Theme: Members of Christ’s Church Militant:
Hold Up the Prophet’s Hands!
I. In each Generation the Lord is at War with Amalek.
II. Victory Is Assured in that War.
( Pastor Theodore Barthels / Pastor emeritus Paul Fleischer )
Bulletin: Read Bulletin
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: p. 5 (798:1,2)
HYMNS: 494; 496; 451; 501:1,2,7
THE EPISTLE LESSON: Acts 13:4-12
Paul was led by the Spirit to preach to all people, including the powerful rulers. Paul’s message was opposed by the powers of evil in this world. However the power of Jesus is greater than the opposition. This continues to be true with us today. The Spirit fills our hearts even as we have been commissioned to preach the gospel. When people oppose and try to undermine our gospel testimony we should remember always that Jesus is far more powerful, and will call to faith and salvation those whom He has chosen.
THE GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 10:16-31
On this occasion Jesus sent out the twelve to preach among the towns and villages of the Jews. Even there they would encounter harsh opposition that would threaten to harm them. Jesus taught them (and us) that His disciples should expect nothing less, for even as Jesus was despised and ridiculed so also shall we be despised by men. We should not fear or be deterred from testifying to His truth. When we are hated by some and rejected by others, move on. The Lord goes with us and will keep us under His protection.