Sunday, September 24, 2023 - WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IN CHURCH

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Sunday, September 24, 2023 - Day 267  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 22; Psalm 83; Titus 3:1-15)

WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IN CHURCH

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7 ESV) 

What do you find when you go to church? You find the goodness and kindness of God as He comes to You in His Word and Sacrament. His Word reminds you that you cannot be saved by what you do (works). Instead, it is God’s merciful washing away of your sins that makes you justified in God’s sight.

The focal point of St. Paul’s in Brown Deer, as in many of our churches, is the cross. It constantly reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews our relationship with God by means of Jesus and His cross. The cross is our constant reminder that eternal life is ours only through Jesus substitutionary death for sinners like you and me. 

  Led on their way by this triumphant sign, 

  The hosts of God in conqu'ring ranks combine.

  Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

  Till all the world adore His sacred name.

  (Lift High the Cross, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #837)

Heavenly Father, thank You for church, and Your promise to meet me there. Grant me a hunger for Your Word and the message of Christ’s cross. Please make me watchful for opportunities to lift high the cross, and proclaim Christ’s love. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape