Bible Verse for Sunday Service Service July 21, 2024
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.other.
Announcements:
The deacons will be meeting to review the financial report and to discuss upcoming projects the church may consider. They meet the Witschi’s home
Following the Lord in baptism is an important step of obedience for every Christian. If anyone would like to be baptized, please let Pastor Jim know. We plan to do a baptism in conjunction with our summer picnic, possibly at Lake Elmo. Please watch this space for details.
Awana begins in September, but it is not too soon to be considering helping in this ministry. We need a leader to help Sandy Schlosser with the Cubbies. Please talk to Sandy or Pastor if you have questions about helping with this preschool group. We can also use helpers for the other groups. We would like to have groups from preschool to teens again this year.
We provide more copies of the church directory in the foyer. If you don’t have one, or need another copy, be sure to pick one up.
Sermon:
Pastor Jim spoke to us on Hebrews 13:15-16 in a sermon he titled “Essential Sacrifices.” In today’s sermon, Pastor contrasted the Old and New Testament system of sacrifices, highlighted in these verses from Hebrews. Under the Old system, God generally required animal sacrifices through the instructions He gave. Under the new system, we continually offer praise and live out our lives as instructed by Jesus. Pastor explored what that means in two points.
To begin, Pastor explained what a sacrifice involving our lips, words of praise looks like. Our praise should be spiritual, describing God and honoring him. Good and gracious first spring to mind. Also, Pastor reminded us about what comes from our lips is an expression of what is inside of us. Good and evil proceed out of the heart. Therefore, our hearts need to be right before the Lord.
Besides this praise being oral, it should be continual. Pastor remarked that the Old Testament sacrifices were offered periodically. Many verses in the New Testament speak to us being continually in Joy, continually thanking the Lord. In this section Pastor also provided an important reminder on controlling and ordering our state of mind/being with a reference to rebuilding the temple. Ezra remarked on seeing the temple rebuilt, some wept in remembering the first temple. While others rejoiced now having a temple again. We can choose our state of mind/heart.
In the last aspect of this first point, Pastor reminded us that our praise should be vocal. We can thank and praise the Lord in our minds every moment of the day. But, it is good to come together and worship and confess with others our praise of Him.
In his second point, Pastor pointed out the Hebrews’ author commended a life of works that bless others. We should share our faith, do good to everyone, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Pastor gave a personal example, how he received a text about prayer for him during his cancer treatment. When we do good like this God is well pleased, and will not overlook our efforts to bless others.
In closing Pastor remarked that we should remember our blessings versus or burdens, and to do this we should remember Jesus’ sacrifices.
Accessing the Service, Bulletin and Sermon Outline:
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