Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
What all of mankind’s efforts, works and scheming could not do, the blood of Christ did: We have peace with God, and we are brought near to the Father.
This life-giving sacrifice of Christ sets the pattern for the sacrifices we are called to make for others in our vocations in home, church and society.
LCMS Stewardship Bulletin Sentences
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Jeremiah 23:1–6; Ephesians 2:11–22; Mark 6:30–44
The Lord Jesus Shepherds His Church on Earth by the Ministry of the Gospel
The Lord rebukes and removes “the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep” (Jeremiah 23:1). He gathers the flock, brings them back to the fold, and sets “shepherds over them who will care for them” (Jeremiah 23:3–4). He raises up the Son of David, the great Good Shepherd, to “reign as king and deal wisely” (Jeremiah 23:5). He is “our righteousness,” in whom we “dwell securely” (Jeremiah 23:6).
He has compassion on all of us, who were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). Not only does He teach us many things, but taking the bread, He blesses and breaks and gives it to the disciples “to set before the people” (Mark 6:41). He abundantly provides for His Church on earth, so that everyone is fed and fully satisfied in body and soul. He preaches peace “to you who were far off,” and “by the blood of Christ,” He brings you near (Ephesians 2:13, 17).
Though you were “separated from Christ” by your sin, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12), now “you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). _________________________________________________________________________
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost - The world wants to discriminate between lives it finds worthy and ones it regards as undeserving.
The coming of Christ Jesus has brought about something better – reconciliation that has dissolved all division and abolished hostility in God’s forgiveness and fellowship (Ephesians 2:14-17). His kingdom leaves neither need nor room for discounting anyone because of shade, shape, sex, age, income, education, or residence.
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