April 27, 2025
John 20:19 – “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ ”
Fear is the opposite of faith. That is, the kind of cringing fear we have in the face of something that is hostile to us and more powerful than we are. Jesus spends a lot of His time telling the disciples to not be afraid.
Our fears constantly hem us in and prevent us from following the Lord’s will. But there is no need to fear. Jesus has conquered. No fear can keep us locked up. We have been set free by Jesus for lives that declare His marvelous deeds.
LCMS Stewardship Bulletin Sentences ____________________________________________
Online giving continues to be an easy way for many to give. The giving link is located just above this message. You also can use the mobile app, “VANCO MOBILE.”
Acts 5:12–20 (21–32); Revelation 1:4–18; John 20:19–31
That You May Believe and Have Life in His Name
On the Lord’s Day, St. John the apostle was given a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.
He is the Living One, “the firstborn of the dead” (Revelation 1:5). He died for all people, and behold, He is alive forevermore! Therefore, He has “the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). For His death atoned for sin and conquered death, and in His resurrection He opened the kingdom of heaven to us.
The “sharp two-edged sword” of His mouth (Revelation 1:16) calls you to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,” that by such faith “you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). To that end, He sends His ministers of the Word, as the Father sent Him, “to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31). ______________________________________________________________
Second Sunday of Easter - “Knowing that God is always near as our Help moves us to reflect the Savior’s love in helping others. ‘Carry each other’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2).”
Daily Devotion, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sister Lakes, Michigan – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
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