Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
27 October 2019
Jesus’ Incarnation Secures for Us Life, Forgiveness, and Healing
The Lord does not require us to ascend to Him; in mercy He descends to us (Genesis 28.10–17). The ladder in Jacob’s dream was not for climbing; it was the means by which the Lord came to bless Jacob. This event finds its fulfillment in Christ who descended from His throne to save and bless us. By His incarnation He is the eternal bridge between heaven and earth. “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (St. Matthew 9.1–8). The Lord was present in the flesh to absolve the paralytic. Jesus also healed and restored this man’s body. “For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation” (Small Catechism). The Lord still has power on earth to forgive sins. In holy absolution He raises up the new man (Ephesians 4.22–28) and bestows the healing medicine which will bring about our resurrection on the Last Day. Thus we say with Jacob, “This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” (Genesis 28.17)
Parish News
Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by Mr. James Latta.
Adult Bible Class meets Sunday at 9am in the Parish Center, next week studying Hebrews 12.18-29 continuing “Access to Heaven for People on Earth”: Hebrews compares and contrasts the present theophany of God through Jesus and His blood in the Divine Service with that at Mt. Sinai. God now speaks His better Word of grace and pardon.
Matins is prayed (LSB 219) in the Nave on Wednesday mornings at 8:30am and on feast days. The congregation is always welcome. Matins this week will be Wednesday and Friday for All Saints’ Day.
Coffee Break Bible Study After Matins in the Nave at 8:30am, this study meets Wednesday morning at 9am in the Parish Center, currently studying 1 Samuel 3.1-21, “Yahweh Calls Samuel to Be a Prophet”: Yahweh graciously moves to speak to the young Samuel His message confirming the previous prophetic message to Eli: his house would now decline. Samuel is called to be Yahweh’s prophet, and all Israel knows it.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study “United in Christ: A Bible Study on Marriage and Family” is Wednesday at 7pm.
LCMS Stewardship Note for Reformation Day is based on Revelation 14.6, “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth.” During the Reformation this text was used to refer to Luther’s ministry and the Lutheran message: we have an eternal Gospel to proclaim. Christ has freed us from our sins without any works on our part. We are saved by grace alone. And, ironically enough, Luther said this should make him the “apostle of works” because once we are freed by grace, we are truly free to serve God in works that flow from thankfulness and praise.
Prepare for Next Sunday
Isaiah 55.1–9; Ephesians 5.15–21; St. Matthew 22.1–14
Hymns: 940 – TLH 260 – 636 – 672 – 689 – 919
Order of Daily Prayer
L Make haste, O X God, to deliver me.
R Make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia!
Psalm 34
Scripture Readings:
[S] from Divine Service
[M] 1 John 1.1-10; Nehemiah 1.1-11
[T] 1 John 2.1-17; Nehemiah 2.1-20
[W] 1 John 5.1-9; Nehemiah 4.1-23
[Th] 1 John 5.10-21; Nehemiah 8.1-18
[F] 2 John 1-13; Nehemiah 9.1-38
[S] 3 John 1-14; Zechariah 8.1-23
Hymn of the Day or Month Praise the Almighty (797)
Catechism (bulletin)
Apostles’ Creed
Kyrie: L Lord, have mercy upon us; R Christ, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father
Collect of the Day (bulletin)
Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer
L Bless we the Lord. R Thanks be to God.
