DEVOTION: Romans 3:19-28 English Standard Version (ESV)
19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being[a] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
The Righteousness of God Through Faith
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
When Martin Luther was going through his transformation from a fearful, worried, and guilt ridden Roman catholic to a free, Gospel loving Christian; this is one of the passages in Scripture that he clung to more than most. This passage clearly delineates that we are not justified by what we do. We aren't justified before God by being good people. We aren't made holy by the Holy Spirit because of our good works. It is all by God's grace! It is a gift!
The good things we do as Christians are not a so that God loves us, but because God loves us. It is different than a teenager who cleans his room and is nice to his parents so that he can use the car. It is different than an employee doing his job so that he can receive his paycheck. What we do as Christians such as caring for the poor, loving our enemies, praying for all people, serving in the church; we do because the Lord loves us first. We do it just because of Jesus!
The true and real Gospel is the good news that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, suffered , died and rose again to take our place under judgment and to free us from death and bring us to eternal life with him. That Gospel is freeing to us, because it frees us from all guilt. It frees us from striving to please God. It frees us from fear of eternal judgment. We are free! Let's live free today! Let's live in Christ's peace! Let's live in God's grace. Let's live joyfully and lovingly because Christ is risen!!
Prayer: Lord, remind me off the freedom that the Gospel provides today and encourage me to live free. Amen.
____________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Wed- Oak Pointe Worship 10; MINI VBS 5-7; Stephen Ministry training 6; Choir 7
Thurs- Confirmation make up 6pm; Karate 6:15-7:45
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9
Sat- Men's breakfast 8; NO WORSHIP
Sun- Sunday school and Bible class 9; Worship 10; Fried Chicken and Potluck Lunch 11:30; Bounce House, music, games Noon-3
________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- Nova Luebke
Ushers- Bob Linke, Tom Linke, Dick Petersen
Altar- Set up- Jodi Baldwin; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer
Elder- Jason Cluver
Greeters- Tom and Pam Linke
Lay Reader- Jenniffer Figura
Organist- Pat Golden
Projectionist: Terry McKenzie
________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:
How many times did the disciples have a miraculous catch of fish and where are the accounts of these events found? TWO Luke 5:4-7 and John 21:4-7 (Thanks Don!)
_________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: What was Matthew's occupation before he became a disciple?
___________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
WORSHIP FROM THIS PAST SUNDAY. Enjoy and Share!
https://youtu.be/zr8G01SjQ8I
_____________________________________________________________________________
MINI VBS TONIGHT!!!
Pizza Supper- 5pm
Opening Bible Lesson and Singing- 5:30
Games, crafts, snack, and lesson rotation 5:45-7:00
________________________________________________________________________
MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!
Calling all males!! Please join us for Bible study, fellowship, and prayer this Saturday at 8am!! We'll have biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, eggs, and fruit! We'll finish up our video study of "The Case for Christ".
_____________________________________________________________________________
500th ANNIVERSARY REFORMATION CELEBRATION THIS SUNDAY!!!
Sunday school- 9am
Worship- 10am
Potluck Picnic with Fried Chicken- 11:30 (Please bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share!)
Pitch the Keys Singing- Noon
Bounce House, Live Polka Music , Games, Fellowship, Fun--- Noon- 3pm
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! INVITE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!! We want this to be a community event to show everyone that Lutherans are great people who have the truth of the Gospel and the peace of knowing we are saved by grace through faith on account of Christ!!!
______________________________________________________________________________
LADIES AID VENDOR FAIR AND BAKE SALE COMING UP SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
If you would like to be a vendor or know someone who would, the cost is $20 per spot. They also need baked goods. Call 456-2888 to reserve your spot or to let them know you'll donate some baked goods.
Invite your friends and family and come on down to enjoy it!
_________________________________________________________________________
We are in need of nominations for the elections that will take place on Sunday, November 19. 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
_______________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers." 1 Thessalonians 1:2
_________________________________________________________________________
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, PLEASE TAKE ONE!
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!
________________________________________________________________________________
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"!
____________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS:
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he recovers from chemo treatments and is awaiting several doctor's appointments this week.
For RON HEITGERD hospitalized, going through dialysis and is recovering from an infection in his foot.
For BUCK HAMPTON hospitalized, dealing with cancer and chemo treatments.
For the INFANT GRANDSON OF DANE AND JODI BALDWIN who was born twelve weeks premature. Right now he is getting some help with breathing, but all vitals and everything are good. He was born at 2 and a half pounds.
_________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For 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, 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.