Church - Ascension Lutheran Church and School

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Mark 9:24 – “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’”

Haven’t we often felt like this! And notice that Jesus does not throw the man out because of his weakness of faith: He still has pity, and He still blesses the man.

But neither does Jesus leave people in weakness of faith. He blesses us and calls us to a deeper faith, as He did to the disciples in the boat on the storm-tossed sea.

How does our faith grow? By hearing the Word of God. What does our faith lead to as it grows? A godly life lived in thanksgiving to our Lord.

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Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 50:4–10; James 3:1–12; Mark 9:14–29

Christ Jesus Delivers Us from Sin, Death and the Devil

Those who teach the Word of God “will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1) because it is by the Word that saving faith is obtained, whereas false doctrine always threatens to destroy Christian faith and life.

The tongue “boasts of great things,” whether for good or evil (James 3:5). In fallen man, “it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). But anyone who bridles his tongue with the Word of God, who “does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man” (James 3:2).

It is Christ who opens His ear to the voice of His Father, so that, with “the tongue of those who are taught,” He is able to sustain the weary “with a word” (Isaiah 50:4–5). Entrusting Himself to His Father, even to death, He is not put to shame but is vindicated in His resurrection (Isaiah 50:6–9). By His faith and faithfulness, He casts out the “mute and deaf spirit” from us (Mark 9:25). He has compassion on us and helps us, so that we are not destroyed but cleansed from every evil and raised up from death to life (Mark 9:22–27). _________________________________________________________________________

Life Thoughts for the Week

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - Promoting or even permitting abortion and physician-assisted suicide condemns precious human beings who are made in the likeness of God (James 3:9).

Thanks be to God that in the good news of receiving every neighbor as gift and privilege, the Lord has given us a tongue to sustain with a word the one who is weary (Isaiah 50:4)!

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Regular Service Schedule

Divine Service - 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Holy Communion is offered at both services.

Adult Discipleship Class / Children's Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays in Lent and Advent: 6:30 p.m. Vespers

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Ascension Lutheran Church and School