DEVOTION: Matthew 13:44-52
44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51 "Have you understood all these things?" They said to him, "Yes."52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."
Jesus is throwing all kinds of comparisons at us today in this reading. He wants to help us understand what the kingdom of heaven is like. He wants to, but our brains are so corrupted by the ways and means of the world that it all goes over our heads.
Some say that it means that the man and the merchant are both God and that he gave up everything (His own beloved Son) to purchase us.
Others say, that the merchant and the man are both us. When we receive the good news, ie. the field and the pearl, we will give up everything, even our very lives, to attain it.
Then we have another judgment parable. This simply reminds us that there will be a judgment at the end of this world and those who are good fish will be kept forever with Jesus.
At the end Jesus says something that is really hard to understand. Most scholars believe that the "treasure" Jesus refers to is the Word of God. The "old" is the Old Testament and the "new" is the New Testament which many of his disciples would alter record.
So much stuff to digest and we've only cracked the surface. God's Word is full and we'll never understand it all. He who has ears……
Let us pray: Holy Spirit, open my ears, my mind, and my heart to better understand your Word more and more each day. Amen.
SEE YOU SUNDAY!
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- Karate 6:15-7:45; Choir 7pm
Fri- Assemble Newsletter 9am
Sat- NO Worship!! Worship will be one service at 10am on Sunday this week!
Sun- Sunday school 9; Worship 10; Potluck and Festivities 11
________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- Nova Luebke
Ushers- Brent Davis, George Hoelscher, Gary Hoelscher, Ben Hoelscher
Altar- Set up- Cheri Hofeldt; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer
Elders- Al Benton
Greeters- Rob and Julie Schaumberg
Lay Reader- Steve McDowell
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionist: Erv Yoder
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ :
What is the longest book of the Bible in terms of number of words?
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NEWS!!!!
OUR FIRST FIFTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION DAY IS THIS SUNDAY, JULY 30!
Sunday school and Bible Class 9am
Worship 10am
Festivities, Activities, and Potluck 11am-1pm
All are asked to bring either a side dish or salad to share for the potluck.
Be ready to meet some new brothers and sisters in Christ!!
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ALEC AND RACHEL FISHER'S LAST SUNDAY WITH US WILL BE THIS SUNDAY, JULY 30!!
Alec Fisher (the guy who preached while I was on vacation) has received a call to be a pastor in Maryland, therefore Rachel Fisher's (our organist) last Sunday to play organ and violin for us will be July 30. We would like to thank them both for their service to St. John's these past two years with cards and gifts on that day. Please consider bringing a gift to the 5th Sunday celebration on Sunday, July 30 at 11am to show them your appreciation! They, along with their beautiful children, will both be greatly missed.
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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP COMING UP!!! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
The next trip will be to Westport Playhouse on Sunday, Sept 17 for "Church Basement Ladies" a comedy take off on the Lutheran ladies in the kitchen. Men would enjoy also. We would leave at 12:30 p.m. from church and return apx 6:45 p.m. Getting tickets at 1/2 price each ticket $25 plus bus cost & dinner. They are holding 47 tickets for me this week. Call MARILYN FOSTER AT 636-359-0535 or email her at mkfoster@centurytel.net to reserve your tickets!
ANNUAL RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT ST. JOHN'S COMING UP THURSDAY, AUGUST 3!!!
Volunteers are needed to set up and take down before and after and during the drive to sign people in when they come. Call Terry at 456-2888 to sign up! You can make an appointment to donate at redcross.org. Walk ins are always welcome too.
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF JULY IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND PACKETS OF OATMEAL !
GENERAL PRAYERS:
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he found out that he has lymphoma on Monday. He will begin intensive therapy soon.
For LOIS FRICK as she has been moved to St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for rehab.
For LIL WINTER as she recovers from diverticulitis and a liver infection.
For CAL TAMELER as he awaits much needed surgery on his legs. Surgery is scheduled for August 8.
For THE JACOBSMEYER FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Kent's grandmother.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For SAM HARGROVE deployed in Amman, Jordan 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, COLTON FIGURA stationed in California, 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.
