DEVOTION: Matthew 25:1-13 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps[a] and went to meet the bridegroom.[b] 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' 12 But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
When Jesus says that they didn't have enough oil, what is the oil? Is he referring to faith? Is he talking about good works? What is the oil that is spoken of in this parable? It is God's grace. It is God's grace with which we should be filled up to be ready for the bridegroom's (Jesus') return. And how do we get God's grace? We get it through faith. And how do we get faith? Scripture says, "faith comes by hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ."
Always remember and never forget that we aren't going to be ready for Christ's return by all the good things we do, because, as Scripture also says, "All our righteousness is like filthy rags." It isn't even by just going to church. It is going to church, actually HEARING God's Word, and BELIEVING it! Going to church and actually listening to the preacher, reading your Bible and meditating on it, listening to God in prayer are all essentials to being ready for Christ's return.
Are you ready? Do you have all the grace you need? The good news is that if you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and if you trust in His grace, you are ready! You are ready for Jesus to return!
I want to encourage you, if you are not a believer, to take an honest look at your own life TODAY! 1.Ask yourself, is there a real heaven and hell? Answer: Yes there is 2. Honestly ask yourself which one you are destined for according to how you have lived your life. Answer: Everyone, according to how we, as sinners, live our lives, is destined for hell, because heaven is perfect and no perfection can ever enter it. 3. Ask yourself if you can save yourself from hell. Answer: No. 4. Ask Christ to save you! 5. Trust in Christ's salvation from sin, death, the devil, and hell. BE READY!!!!
Prayer: Lord God, fill my lamp with your oil of grace, forgiveness, and peace so that I am ready for your return. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- Confirmation make up 6pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm; Karate 6:15-7:45
Fri- Veteran's day
Sat- Worship- 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and Bible class 9:45; Elder's meeting Noon
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RSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Loren Howard; 11- Nova Luebke
Ushers- Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, ???, ???
Altar- Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel
Elder- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11-
Greeters- 8:30- Terry and Lynn Russell; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay Reader- Sat- Judy Koprowski; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Addie Hoelscher
Pianist Sat and 8:30-- Molly Hendershot
Projectionist- Sat- Kathy Fischer??; 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Cierra Figura
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Mary and Martha's brother?
Okay, this is super easy! Even a first-grader could answer it. He was that dead guy, who starred in that movie, "The Return of the Mummy" - Lazarus! No lie! Thanks Pat and Don!
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Why did Jesus say that Moses permitted divorce?
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NEWS:
WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF NOMINATIONS FOR OUR CHURCH BOARDS!!! Below is what we need:
Board of elders- 3 men of good standing in the church who are active: main duties include, worship and communion assistance, member care, developing of budget for salary and benefits for staff. They usually meet on the second Sunday of each month at noon. (Dave Winter is timed out and two of our other elders have resigned this year.)
Board of trustees- 3 people- main duties include taking care of St. John's property and approving budget for insurance and maintenance. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm and have several work days (usually on Saturday morning) throughout the year. (Teresa Scott and Gary Hoelscher are both timed out and Scott Heitgerd has transferred to Immanuel, Wentzville)
Board of education- 2 people needed- Main duties include planning, preparation and carrying out of Sunday school program, VBS, and other education programs. They usually meet on an as needed basis. (Naomi Johnson is unable to continue due to work and family responsibilities and Lisa Rausch's first term is up) We are in desperate need of a couple people who have the time and energy available to commit to this board.
Secretary- This is not the same as our office administrator, Terry; This person is responsible for taking minutes at voter's and council meetings, and for preparing agendas for the same. This person can also be a signer on checks and other official documents. (Patty Sweet has decided to go to a different church)
If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, or have possible suggestions, please reply to this email, or call me at 636-359-1061
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SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6
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DO YOU HAVE A THRIVENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNT OR POLICY?
You may be eligible to receive money for Little Lambs or Good Shepherd!! Go to www.thrivent.com/choicedollars to check it out!
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OPERATION BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS CANNED VEGETABLES. PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO CHURCH AND PUT THEM IN THE TUB MARKED "BACKPACK BLESSINGS"!
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PRAYERS:
For those who mourn after the tragic church shooting in Texas on Sunday.
For COLTON FIGURA who left for a one year deployment to Turkey on Saturday.
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as his cancer is in remission for the time being. He will undergo more tests and procedures as well as another pet scan and more chemo in the next few weeks.
For LILLIAN WINTER as she undergoes surgery to remove her ovaries on Friday.
For BUCK HAMPTON who has moved to Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab in Troy to begin receiving chemotherapy treatments.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For COLTON FIGURA deployed to Turkey, SAM HARGROVE deployed in Kuwait and DAN DREYER deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, that the Lord would keep them safe from harm during their service and bring them home safely.
For DAVID TATE stationed in Japan, and ALEX WALTERS, stationed in Tennessee. That God would bless their service to our country and keep them safe as they all await possible deployment.
For CALEB FIGURA AND VINCE MASTERS who are both serving our country in the National Guard and take time out of their lives, jobs, and families to go on duty several times a year.
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