24th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: November 15, 2020 – THE SERMON: Matthew 25:1-13 Theme: Parable of the Virgins Defines Readiness for Christ’s Return.I. Possessing the… Read More »2020-11-15 — Parable of the Virgins Defines Readiness for Christ’s Return.
Last Judgment Sunday: Date: November 8, 2020– THE SERMON: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Theme: Prepared for Christ’s Sudden Coming.
I. The Day of the Lord Comes as a Thief in the Night
II. Watch for that Day of the Lord
III. The Day of the Lord Is Our Day of Salvation
SERMON TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (NKJV)
PRAYER; THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: 608 Let Thoughtless Thousands Choose the Road
1. Let thoughtless thousands choose the road
That leads the soul away from God;
This happiness, dear Lord, be mine,
To live and die entirely Thine.
2. On Christ, by faith, I fain would live,
From Him my life, my all, receive,
To Him devote my fleeting hours,
Serve Him alone with all my pow’rs.
3. Christ is my everlasting All;
To Him I look, on Him I call;
He will my every want supply
In time and thro’ eternity.
4. Soon will the Lord, my Life, appear;
Soon shall I end my trials here,
Leave sin and sorrow, death and pain.
To live is Christ, to die is gain.
5. Soon will the saints in glory meet,
Soon walk through every golden street,
And sing on every blissful plain;
To live is Christ, to die is gain.
BENEDICTION;
C: Amen.
Hymn: 53:1, 2, 6 Abide, Oh Dearest Jesus
1. Abide, O dearest Jesus, Among us with Thy grace
That Satan may not harm us Nor we to sin give place.
2. Abide, O dear Redeemer, Among us with Thy Word
And thus now and hereafter True peace and joy afford.
6. Abide, O faithful Savior, Among us with Thy love;
Grant steadfastness and help us To reach our home above.
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: (p. 22 Worship Supplement 2000)
Read More »2020-11-08 — Prepared for Christ’s Sudden Coming.
22nd Sunday after Pentecost: Date: November 1, 2020– THE SERMON: Daniel 6:10-12, 16-23
Theme: Reformation Perseverance in Faith
I. Facing Persecution with Faith
II. Trusting in God’s Deliverance
SERMON TEXT: Daniel 6:10-12, 16-23
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”
The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.”
16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”
23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God. (NKJV)
PRAYER; THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN 774 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
1. A mighty fortress is our God
A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need
That has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.
2. With might of ours can naught be done;
Soon were our loss effected.
But for us fights the valiant One
Whom God Himself elected.
You ask, “Who is this?” Jesus Christ it is,
The almighty Lord And there’s no other God;
He holds the field forever.
3. Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill;
They shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none.
He’s judged; the deed is done!
One little word can fell him.
4. The Word they still shall let remain,
Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And do what they will – Hate, steal, hurt, or kill –
Though all may be gone,
Our victory is won;
The kingdom’s ours forever!
BENEDICTION;
C: Amen.
Hymn 50:1-2 Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing
1. Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing, Fill our hearts with joy and peace.
Let us each, Thy love possessing, Triumph in redeeming grace.
Oh, refresh us, Oh, refresh us, Trav’ling thro’ this wilderness!
2. Thanks we give and adoration For Thy Gospel’s joyful sound.
May the fruits of Thy salvation In our hearts and lives abound;
Ever faithful, Ever faithful To the Truth may we be found!
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: (p. 22 Worship Supplement 2000)
THE EPISTLE LESSON: Galatians 5:1-6
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. (NKJV)
THE GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 10:16-23
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21st Sunday after Pentecost: Date: October 25, 2020– THE SERMON: Matthew 22:1-14
Theme: Invited to the Wedding Feast of God’s Son!
I. The Richness of the Grace of that Feast
II. The Varied Responses to a Gracious Invitation
III. The Proper Apparel for Such a Glorious Event
SERMON TEXT: Matthew 22:1-14
And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (NKJV)
PRAYER; THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN 279 :1-3 Today Thy Mercy Calls Us
1. Today Thy mercy calls us to wash away our sin.
However great our trespass, Whatever we have been,
However long from mercy Our hearts have turned away,
Thy precious blood can cleanse us and make us white today.
2. Today Thy gate is open, and all who enter in
Shall find a Father’s welcome And pardon for their sin.
The past shall be forgotten, A present joy be giv’n,
A future grace be promised, A glorious crown in heav’n.
3. Today our Father calls us, His Holy Spirit waits;
His blessed angels gather Around the heav’nly gates.
No question will be asked us How often we have come;
Although we oft have wandered, It is our Father’s home.
BENEDICTION;
C: Amen.
Hymn 48:3 Today I Was My Savior’s Guest
3. Today I was My Savior’s guest My soul was here so richly blest,
The Bread of Life receiving
Oh, may thereby my faith prevail, So that its fruit shall never fail
Till my account is given Before the throne in heaven!
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: (p. 22 Worship Supplement 2000)
THE EPISTLE LESSON: Philippians 4:4-13
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
20th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: October 18, 2020– THE SERMON: Romans 10:11-17
Theme: Fulfilling the Lord’s Mission for His Church
I. Sharing our Faith in our Redeemer God
II. Sending out Messengers of the Gospel
III. Steadfastly Proclaiming the Gospel
SERMON TEXT: Romans 10:11-17
11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)
PRAYER; THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN 307 Draw Nigh and Takes the Body of the Lord
1. Draw nigh and take the body of the Lord
And drink the holy blood for you outpoured.
Offered was He for greatest and for least,
Himself the Victim and Himself the Priest.
2. He that His saints in this world rules and shields
To all believers life eternal yields,
With heav’nly bread makes them that hunger whole,
Gives living waters to the thirsting soul.
3. Approach ye, then, with faithful hearts sincere
And take the pledges of salvation here.
O Judge of all, our only Savior Thou,
In this Thy feast of love be with us now.
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: (p. 22 Worship Supplement 2000)
Read More »2020-10-18 — Fulfilling the Lord’s Mission for His Church
19th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: October 11, 2020– THE SERMON: Matthew 21:28-32
Theme: Responding to the Lord’s Call with the Obedience of Faith
I. Avoid Sanctimonious Hypocrisy
II. Follow the Pattern of Genuine Repentance
SERMON TEXT: Matthew 21:28-32
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said to Him, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. (NKJV)
PRAYER; THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN 32 Redeemed, Restored, Forgiven
1. Redeemed, Restored, forgiven, Thro’ Jesus’ precious blood,
Heirs of His home in heaven, Oh, praise our pard’ning God!
Praise Him in tuneful measures Who gave His Son to die;
Praise Him whose sev’nfold treasures Enrich and sanctify.
2. Once on the dreary mountain We wandered far and wide,
Far from the cleansing fountain, Far from the pierced side;
But Jesus sought and found us And washed our guilt away;
With cords of love He bound us To be His own for aye.
3. Dear Master, Thine the glory Of each recovered soul.
Ah! Who can tell the story Of love that made us whole?
Not ours, not ours, the merit; Be Thine alone the praise
And ours a thankful spirit To serve Thee all our days.
4. Now keep us, holy Savior, In Thy true love and fear
And grant us of Thy favor The grace to persevere
Till, in Thy new creation, Earth’s time-long travail o’er,
We find our full salvation And praise Thee evermore.
BENEDICTION;
C: Amen.
Hymn 453:2 We Are the Lord’s
2. We are the Lord’s; then let us gladly tender
Our souls to Him in deeds, not empty words.
Let heart and tongue and life combine to render
No doubtful witness that we are the Lord’s.
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: (p. 22 Worship Supplement 2000)
THE EPISTLE LESSON: Philippians 2:1-11
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
18th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: October 4, 2020– THE SERMON: Philippians 1:18B-27
Theme: Christ Brings Joy to Life
I. Life Is about Christ and the Joy of the Gospel
II. Each Believer’s Life Is No Longer about Self
SERMON TEXT: Philippians 1:18B-27
18 Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. (NKJV)
PRAYER; THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN 400 Take My Life and Let It Be
1. Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2. Take my hands and let them move At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3. Take my voice and let me sing Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages from Thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect and use Ev’ry pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will and make it Thine, It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own, It shall by Thy royal throne.
6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee.
BENEDICTION;
C: Amen.
Hymn 644 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: (p. 22 Worship Supplement 2000)
Read More »2020-10-04 — Christ Brings Joy to Life
17th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: September 27, 2020– THE SERMON: Genesis 50:15-21
Theme: The Grace of Forgiveness
I. Liberating Sinners from the Burden of Guilt
II. Flowing from Faith in a Merciful God
SERMON TEXT: Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (NKJV)
PRAYER; THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN 412 May We Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill
1. May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfill And do on earth our Father’s will
As angels do above; Still walk in Christ, the living Way,
With all Thy children and obey The law of Christian love.
2. So may we join Thy name to bless,
Thy grace adore, Thy power confess,
From sin and strife to flee. One is our calling, one our name,
The end of all our hopes the same, A crown of life with Thee.
3. Spirit of Life, of Love, and Peace, Unite our hearts, our joy increase,
Thy gracious help supply. To each of us the blessing give
In Christian fellowship to live, In joyful hope to die.
BENEDICTION;
C: Amen.
Hymn 453:2 We Are the Lord’s
2. We are the Lord’s; then let us gladly tender
Our souls to Him in deeds, not empty words.
Let heart and tongue and life combine to render
No doubtful witness that we are the Lord’s.
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: (p. 22 Worship Supplement 2000)
THE EPISTLE LESSON: Romans 14:5-9
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. (NKJV)
THE GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 18:21-35
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
16th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: September 20, 2020– THE SERMON: Matthew 18:15-20
Theme: The Christian’s Responsibility of Soul Care
I. Driven by Jesus’ Love for the Lost
II. Conducted According to Jesus’ Prescription
III. Completed with Eternal Benefits
SERMON TEXT: Matthew 18:15-20
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (NKJV)
PRAYER; THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN 307 Draw Nigh and Takes the Body of the Lord
1. Draw nigh and take the body of the Lord
And drink the holy blood for you outpoured.
Offered was He for greatest and for least,
Himself the Victim and Himself the Priest.
2. He that His saints in this world rules and shields
To all believers life eternal yields,
With heav’nly bread makes them that hunger whole,
Gives living waters to the thirsting soul.
3. Approach ye, then, with faithful hearts sincere
And take the pledges of salvation here.
O Judge of all, our only Savior Thou,
In this Thy feast of love be with us now.
( Pastor Theodore Barthels )
THE ORDER OF SERVICE: (p. 22 Worship Supplement 2000)
THE EPISTLE LESSON: Romans 13:1-10
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
15th Sunday after Pentecost: Date: September 13, 2020 – THE SERMON: Romans 12:1-8 Theme: Living Transformed by ChristI. The Power of TransformationII. Transformed by the… Read More »2020-09-13 — Living Transformed by Christ