You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
HYMNS FOR THE DAY
- Opening Hymn “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation” (LSB 909)
- Hymn of the Day “Built on the Rock” (LSB 645)
- Distribution Hymns
- “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” (LSB 575)
- “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” (LSB 821) Text here.
- “Your Table I Approach” (LSB 628)
- “Christ Is Our Cornerstone” (LSB 912)
- Closing Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” (LSB 644) Text here.
thirteenth sunday after pentecost
Sermon
A note from Pastor regarding his sermon:
Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, He prepares His disciples to spread the good news of the salvation Jesus secures for us by His death on the cross. Even as witnesses to God’s mercy and forgiveness today, we face similar challenges in knowing what we are to say to people who live in darkness, despair, or confusion.
There are many places people might turn when seeking comfort and certainty in the church. Can the history and tradition of the church give us the comfort we seek in this world? Or the number of people who attend our church or belong to our denomination? Does our faith depend upon tangible signs of God’s blessings – in miraculous healings or the success of comfort of our members? Do we trust the education, the charisma, or the persona of our leadership?
No; Christ’s lesson for His disciples on this day is that our faith – our church – is founded upon Jesus Christ Himself, and our confession that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This is the foundation upon which we stand, our guiding principle, and the source of our hope in everlasting life!