SCRIPTURE READINGS
Old Testament: Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm: Psalm 119:153-160
Epistle: Romans 7:1-13
Gospel: Matthew 10:34-42
THEME FOR WORSHIP
The beginning of our Gospel text is shocking; Jesus tells us He’s come not to bring peace, but a sword. Jesus’ sword destroys, and it protects. It kills and it saves. When Jesus comes, people are confronted with a crossroad, a stark choice. Save your life… or lose it. This is simple, but simply scary.
If Jesus had not come, the earth would have continued in its sin and guilt until its final destruction. Jesus came to take away that sin and guilt, and war began. Many people cling to their sins, remaining at war with Jesus and the gospel of salvation.
Jesus brings war and division, saving as many as possible, rather than let all people die in their sin.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Old Testament: Jeremiah 20:7–13
Psalm: Psalm 91:1–2, 14-16
Epistle: Romans 6:12–23
Gospel: Matthew 10:5a, 21–33
THEME FOR WORSHIP
When Jesus sends us out to be witnesses of His gospel, some people don’t want to hear what God has to tell them. Much of the world in which we live rejects Jesus and those who believe in Him.
Jesus tells us that persecution for your witness will come, sometimes hitting you hard and other times less so. But Jesus also tells us we shouldn’t be afraid and gives us several promises to help us fear not.
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