DEVOTION: Matthew 18:1-20 English Standard Version (ESV)
Who Is the Greatest?
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,[a] it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Temptations to Sin
7 "Woe to the world for temptations to sin![b] For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell[c] of fire.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.[d] 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my[e]Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
If Your Brother Sins Against You
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[f] in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
I went to Lutheran High School in Mayer, MN from 1985-1989. During that time the administration had a policy for dealing with fights and conflicts in the school. It was Matthew 18:15-20 and it worked. Can you believe it? What the Lord Jesus gave as instructions for life actually worked? We didn't have many fights that got out of hand. Teachers didn't go to the principal to complain about students very often. If students had conflicts with other students they usually worked it out one on one. Sometimes a teacher or principal was brought in to mediate, but it never got out of hand. It was a peaceful school for the most part because people followed Jesus' words.
If you have a problem with someone what should you do? It's very simple. If someone sins against you go to him and talk to him about it, jus the two of you. Not to make him feel bad or simply to accuse him, nor to only get what you want, but to RESTORE THE RELATIONSHIP. If he listens to you, you've WON YOUR BROTHER OVER. If he doesn't listen, then bring one or two other mutual friends along to settle the matter to RESTORE THE RELATIONSHIP! If he doesn't listen to them, then bring it to the church (this only works within the church or Christian school context where everyone involved wants to RESTORE THE RELATIONSHIP!
Then sadly, if he doesn't listen even to the bigger body of believers treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector, in other words, have nothing more to do with the person for your own good and so that the person may realize the consequences of his sin, turn, and the RELATIONSHIP BE RESTORED.
The bigger context of this passage has a lot to say about the attitude with which you do this. It is always to be done with humility. We are to become like little children with a humble and sincere faith that solely trusts in the one to whom trust should be given.
Always have the other person's interests in mind. Always be willing to restore the relationship. Always have the mind of Christ!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for instructing me on how to restore my relationships with those who are against me so that I may truly love all people. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- Alzheimers Support Group 1pm; Karate 6:15-7:45; Lutheranism 101 6:30
Sat- Work day 8-Noon; Stephen Ministry 9-Noon; Holy Yoga 10-11; Worship 5pm
Sun Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; LITTLE LAMBS GOLF OUTING 12:30-5pm
Sat-
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- 8:30- Addie Hoelscher; 11- Gus Klaustermeier
Ushers- Larry Schulze, Scott Schulze, Gary Scott, Dave Winter
Altar- Set up- Jodi Baldwin; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel
Elders- Sat- Dave Winter; Sun- 8:30- Jason Cluver; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Al and Karen Benton; 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Lay Reader- Sat- Marcia Sevier; 8:30- Jennifer Figura, 11- Lisa Lacy
Organist and Pianist- Pat Golden
Projectionist: Sat- Perricone; Sun, 8:30- Yoder 11- ???
TELLERS: Team #2
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ : Who was Zadok?
The main one was the son of Ahitub of the line of Eliazar. He was one of the high priests in the time of David. He joined David at Hebron as a chieftain of his father's house, remained faithful to him subsequently anointed Solomon.
TODAY'S QUIZ: What did God do to Nebuchadnezzar so that he would acknowledge that the Lord alone is the Most High God?
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NEWS!!!!
WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY, 8-Noon.
Several projects need to be done and the more helpers we have, the quicker they will get done. I'll bring the donuts and make the coffee!!
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HOLY YOGA 10-11am THIS SATURDAY!!
Come and strengthen your body and your soul at the same time. Amanda Nordwald is a great teacher and leader and will make you feel right at home on a Yoga mat! Experience doesn't matter. Just have an open mind and do what you can!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY DAY, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 AT 9:45!!!
If you or your kids have been away from Sunday school for a while and have been meaning to get back into the swing of things, Sunday, Sept. 10 is your perfect opportunity to do so!! All kids who show up will receive FREE devotional books and/or Bibles which are paid for from a trust set up by Janet Wagner before she went to heaven.
There will be games, donuts, and lots of JESUS!! Please bring your kids, grandkids, great grandkids, neighbor's kids and yourself!! We look forward to seeing you!
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LITTLE LAMBS GOLF OUTING, Sunday, Sept. 10
Registration- 12:30
Shotgun start- 1pm
Dinner and Prizes- 5pm
Cost- $60 per person
Two person scramble format
Hole Sponsorships available for $50 a piece (Think advertising)
Call Karin or Lisa at 456-2888 or pick up a registration form from the office!
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DOOR OFFERINGS THE NEXT THREE WEEKENDS TO HELP THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY!
Lutheran Trust of St. Louis will match all offerings 100% up to $10,000 per congregation and $1,000,000 total through September 24.
If you bring a check, make it out to St. John's and in the mem write "Hurricane Relief". All offerings will go to LCMS Disaster Relief. This is the best way to help!
If, for some reason, you can't make it to church or would like to donate directly, go to www.lcms.org/harvey to donate and let us know that you did.
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NEW OUTREACH BOOKLET DISPLAY AT CHURCH
Our board of outreach and evangelism purchased a set of outreach booklets on all different topics of interest. They are for you to use for yourself, but also to take to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors who may be dealing with the things covered in these booklets or may just have questions regarding to the faith. Please check it out and as it says, TAKE ONE…. OR TWO OR THREE!
LAY READERS STILL NEEDED ESPECIALLY FOR 11AM SERVICE!!!
If you are willing to be an integral part of worship and serve in this way, please reply to this email or call church at 456-2888! We need you!
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ALL MEMBERS OF ST. JOHN"S ARE INVITED TO KARIN KLAUSTERMEIER'S 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 6-10pm!!
PLEASE RSVP by replying to this email or texting/messaging me. 636-359-1061
It's not a surprise, because I'm no good at surprises and she always figures them out.
She would like everyone to make a donation to www.leadachild.org in lieu of gifts.
Since her favorite day of the year is April Fools Day, and she is legendary for her April Fools pranks, I would like everyone to play their favorite prank or practical joke on her that day. She will appreciate it greatly I am sure!
Besides that, there is no need to bring anything but yourself. All food and drinks will be provided.
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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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HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED BECOMING A PASTOR OR DEACONNESS?
If so, Rev. Scott Holder, admissions counselor from Concordia Seminary, will be here on Thursday, September 14 from 1-6pm. He is interested in meeting with students of all ages, elementary school age through adults. Appointments are individual, informal, and family/friends are welcome to come with you. Appointments are not necessary but encouraged. If you are interested in scheduling a specific time, call Pastor Holder at 314-505-7225 or email him at holders@csl.edu
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OUR NEXT FIFTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION WILL BE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29… REFORMATION SUNDAY!! TO CELEBRATE THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEGINNING OF THE REFORMATION AND THE POSTING OF THE 95 THESES BY MARTIN LUTHER ON THE CASTLE CHURCH DOOR IN WITTENBERG, GERMANY!!
It is going to be a blowout celebration! Mark your calendars today to make sure you are there to enjoy the celebration!
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER CANNED FRUIT. Please bring items up to church and put them in the tub marked "Backpack Blessings".
PRAYERS:
For LISA PEZOLD, who had a hysterectomy and is recovering at home.
For THOSE IN THE CARIBBEAN, FLORIDA, AND THE EAST COAST who are dealing with hurricane Irma.
For THOSE IN TEXAS AND LOUISIANA who are dealing with historic flooding and damage from hurricane Harvey.
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he is home and doing better. He receives his second chemo treatment on Friday.
For CAL TAMELER who is HOME and is recovering from surgeries and a heart attack.
For LIL WINTER who is home, but is still awaiting test results and doctor's orders to get several procedures done.
For ANGIE BRUNSON, who is at home, but is still dealing with blood clots and an infection after a trouble from a hysterectomy.
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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.
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