Preparing for Sunday - Readings for July 25 & 26, 2015
Genesis 9:8-17
Ephesians 3:14-21
Mark 6:45-56
In our Old Testament lesson, we are reminded of God’s grace and mercy in preserving humanity by saving Noah and his family on the ark and the covenant God established with every living creature that he would never again destroy the world with a flood. “When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.” In this reading we are reminded of the greater covenant God makes with us through the waters of Baptism by which He saves us by connecting us to Jesus and delivers to us His Holy Spirit.
In our Epistle reading, we are reminded that we have been given His Spirit so that Christ may dwell in us through faith and we may comprehend the grace and mercy of our gracious God who rescues us through Christ Jesus.
In our Gospel reading, we watch as Jesus provides comfort to His frightened disciples who were tossed and frightened in the midst of the storm. When they encounter the God-Man Jesus as He walked on the sea with it’s wind and waves that threatened to capsize the boat they were on, Christ enters the boat with them to grant them peace and comfort through His presence. We also see the power of our Lord not only over wind and weather but even over the sick in Gennesaret when He and the Apostles arrive.
Join us as we see Jesus – God in human flesh and receive from Him the forgiveness of sins this Saturday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 10:30 AM.
*NOTE: Our Lord comes to us in His body and blood through bread and wine in Holy Communion on the second and last Sunday of each month. Out of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ and to exercise Christian responsibility with this precious gift, we ask that if you are not currently a member of our congregation or a congregation in altar and pulpit fellowship with our sister congregations in The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, you speak with our pastor prior to the service. To speak with our pastor, you may call our office at 810-846-4972.
6:30 PM | Saturday, 6:30 PM
Bible Study: Sunday, 9:00 AM | Tuesday, 6:30 PM
Original: https://bethlehemlutheranstandish.org/2015/07/preparing-for-sunday-readings-for-july-25-26/